All-Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams says he had intended to spend one more season playing rugby union after the World Cup.
The veteran dual international has instead switched back to Rugby League to join Super League new boys Toronto Wolfpack ahead of their 2020 debut campaign.
"Before the World Cup I was intending on staying in New Zealand for maybe one more year," Williams told reporters at a press conference at London's Emirates Stadium today.
"But once this opportunity came about, and then obviously talking with Toronto's owner David Argyle and coach Brian McDermott, it was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down.
"Going into the World Cup I told my manager 'You can talk', but for myself I wouldn't be doing myself justice or the black jersey justice if I was thinking about what's happening next.
"I really try and live by that mantra of being where my feet are and that's what I was trying to do.
"I'll be honest; when we got knocked out after England, that's when we started having these conversations."
The 34-year-old has previously played in rugby league in Australia but he's not expecting a move back Down Under in the immediate future:
"I'll be 36 once this contract finishes so I don't think I'll be going back to Australia anytime soon.
"My wife might love Toronto, we might end up living there, so who knows.
"At the start of this year I'd never expect to be sitting here right now, but we're here riding that wave and that's so exciting."
Wolfpack's coach Brian McDermott says they've made one of the biggest signings in Super League history:
"Sonny came into camp yesterday and met all the players and staff," he said.
"We've signed a world-class international player, but I am conscious we have also signed a brand. Sonny has built that brand up over a number of years."
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