Former football star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams is ready to start a new career as a university academic, despite admitting he dropped out of school when he was just 14 years old.
The New Zealand star has revealed that he has been appointed as the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU).
Williams, long known for his inspiring work advocating for social equality and humanitarian causes, will now work with the university to “produce well-rounded graduates who are globally competitive and socially responsible.”
In a statement, AIU wrote: “His (Williams’) participation will enhance the university’s vision of fostering a transformative educational environment where values-driven leadership meets academic excellence.”
“Beyond advising key initiatives such as student engagement and community outreach programs, his presence at AIU will inspire students to strive for excellence in both their personal and professional journeys.”
The 39-year-old, who grew up in Auckland, admitted his pride at receiving this honour.
The New Zealand star has also revealed that he has been appointed as the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU).
Williams, 39, spoke of his pride after receiving the honor from the university.
The rugby and boxing star made 58 appearances for New Zealand between 2010 and 2019.
“For someone who left school at 14 and had the opportunity to change his life through sport, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,” Williams wrote in x.
‘In addition to changing my family’s situation, I was also able to obtain a university degree.
‘Special thanks to the founder of Albukhary International University, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, the Board of Governors and the entire AIU community.
‘Lastly, to the students, I look forward to meeting and speaking with all of you next month on the 10th. God bless you!’
The rugby legend previously told The New Zealand Herald that he aspires to be a “voice for the voiceless” and also recently broke his silence on the current debates taking place in the New Zealand Parliament, related with the Treaty of Waitangi.
Williams has thrown his support behind a student who had been banned from attending a Sydney high school prom.
The year 12 student at Condell Park High School had worn a Keffiyeh scarf to his graduation ceremony, given to him by his sister, to show his Palestinian heritage.
The student was subsequently banned from attending the celebration event and lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Williams took to social media and wrote, “Let’s hope this young man, along with other students wearing clothing from different cultures, is allowed to graduate.”
Sonny Bill Williams has expressed his support for a student who had been banned from attending his school’s end-of-year formal.
The student had worn a Keffiyeh scarf at his graduation ceremony, given to him by his sister, to show his Palestinian heritage (file image)
“A student has been banned from attending the end of year celebration at Condell Park High School simply for wearing a keffiyeh,” the former union and rugby league star said.
‘Let’s hope that this young man, along with other students dressed in clothing from different cultures, will be allowed to graduate on the 28th!’
Williams has also expressed his support for Palestinian communities and recently posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a hoodie that had the national flag of Palestine printed on it.
The student had explained to school teachers why he was wearing the keffiyeh, telling the Sydney Morning Herald: “I kept explaining that it is a cultural garment that I wear on special occasions, but they kept saying that I was making a political statement in a school.” public and I can’t do that.
“They said it wouldn’t be the smartest decision to continue like this and that I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of the higher-ups so close to the end of the year.”
A spokesperson for the New South Wales Department of Education told Daily Mail Australia that Condell Park High “will continue to work with the family and their legal representatives to resolve this matter.”
The boy’s lawyer had also sent a complaint to the Department of Education requesting a formal apology and that the boy be invited back to attend the end-of-year celebration.
The boy’s family had also been unsuccessful in their attempts to convince the school that the boy was paying homage to his own heritage.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Condell Park High School for comment.