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Watch: 'There was a thought about not accepting it' - Humble Sir Bryan Williams shares motivaiton for embracing knighthood

December 30, 2017

The former All Black doesn't want anything to change despite his new title.

One of the newest Knights Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit, former All Black Sir Bryan Williams, has admitted he thought about not accepting the honour.

Sir Bryan was recognised for his services to rugby in both New Zealand and Samoa in this year's New Year's Honours, but it's not the first time he's featured on the list.

"I was fortunate three or four years ago to receive another honour, the CNZM, and I was more than happy with that so this one has come as a huge surprise as I wasn't expecting it," he said.

As well as his 2013 appointment as a Companion to the New Zealand Order of Merit, Sir Bryan has also been appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire - an honour he received in the 1983 Queen's Birthday honours.

Unlike those two appointments though, Sir Bryan admitted he had thoughts about not accepting his knighthood.

"I guess the title of 'Sir' doesn't rest that easy with me," he said.

"There was a thought about not accepting the knighthood but then you think about the life you've led and the people who have been part of the journey - my family has obviously played a big part in that."

Sir Bryan joins seven other All Blacks bestowed with knighthoods, including Kiwi icons such as the late Sir Colin Meads, the late Sir Wilson Whineray and the great Sir Brian Lochore.

He still remains part of the rugby scene, commonly spotted at Auckland's Mt Albert Grammar School where the number one playing field is named after him not just for his All Blacks achievements, but coaching commitments to the school.

Williams also serves as a committee member to Ponsonby Rugby Club where he is also a life member.

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