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NICK WILLIAMS
FAREWELL BIG NICK!
From humble beginnings Nick Williams has gone on to become one
of the standout performers and most recognisable characters in the
Guinness PRO12.
Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Nick
made a name for himself at Auckland Blues and
represented New Zealand at U21 and Junior All
Black level, before moving to Europe in 2008 to
join Munster. In his first season he helped the
Southern Province secure the PRO12 title in his
debut season. After two years at Munster, Nick
moved to Italy and spent a further two years
at Aironi before returning to Ireland and joining
Ulster in June 2012. Nick became an immediate
sensation at Ulster and was awarded PRO12
Player of the Year in his first season. The big
number 8 has continued to be the driving force
of Ulster’s pack, his uncompromising style
making him a favourite among the terraces of
Kingspan Stadium.
After four outstanding seasons at Ulster, Nick
Williams will move on to Cardiff Blues for the
2016/17 season. We caught up with Nick during
the week to get his views on his time here in
Ulster.
You have played rugby all over the world.
How has your time at Ulster compared?
NW:
It’s definitely up there. I suppose the big
difference of my time at Ulster compared to
other places has been my family life, I’ve got a
wee family of my own now. I’ve come to realise
if my family is happy then I’ll be playing well on
the paddock. I think that’s showed over the time
that I’ve been here. The people have been great
to us and we’ve really made it our home this past
four years. We got married in our back yard. I’ve
got a decent back yard that opens up to Helen’s
Bay beach, and we probably got the one good
day of summer. My family came all the way from
New Zealand up here. I told some of my mates
I’m having a beach wedding in Northern Ireland
and they had a good laugh, but we were able to
pull it off.
So your family have enjoyed their time here
in Ulster?
NW:
We’ve absolutely loved it. Everything has
been awesome… apart from the weather! My
two little daughters have got Belfast accents
now, which is really cool. When we had the
wedding my family couldn’t really understand
them. It’s been an absolute ball.
You have seen a lot of change during your
time at Ulster. Can you give us your thoughts
on how Ulster Rugby was when you arrived,
how it has changed during your time, and the
position that the club is now in?
NW:
I guess when I arrived we had a lot of
experienced players, the likes of Johann Muller,
John Afoa, big Stevie Ferris, Tom Court, so
there was a good core of players here who
could actually run the cutter which made it a
lot easier for me coming in. Obviously over the
years players come and go, and I think the club
are probably in a bit of a transition phase at the
moment. We’re obviously disappointed that we
didn’t get through in the Champions Cup but
such is life. I look at it now with Les being here
and I can see nothing but positive things coming
towards Ulster. Sometimes it’s difficult for the
fans who want success immediately, but the
rewards that the team will reap should be here
soon.
The facilities here are world class. I’m coming
from New Zealand where rugby is the number
one sport and some of the facilities don’t even
come close to this, so we have got to count our
blessings.
You became an immediate fan favourite with
the Ulster supporters – is that something that
you noticed right away?
NW:
I knew I had something to prove. I came off
the end of a few questions, a few doubts about
me. I guess that’s what fuelled me. I kind of fell
out of love with the game a wee bit when I was
over in Italy, probably enjoying the lifestyle a bit
too much, but as soon as I came here I knew I
had to tighten up my act and play for something,
firstly for my family and secondly for the Ulster
supporters and I’d like to think that I’ve done
that.
I look back on it now and it’s amazing how family
fuels you. When I finish rugby I know I won’t