You can take the boy out of New Zealand, but you can't take New Zealand out of the boy.

So it was for Sonny Bill Williams - eight years after he crossed the Tasman to join the NRL's Bulldogs - as he excitedly confirmed Christchurch as his first port of call next month in his bid to earn an All Blacks rugby jersey, possibly in time for next year's home World Cup.

"I'm happy to play park footy, mate, whatever the coaching staff want me to do, I'm keen as. I'm just looking forward to getting over there, bro," Williams told reporters from Queensland's the Gold Coast.

Williams turned down more lucrative offers from other provinces North Harbour, Counties-Manukau and Hawke's Bay to sign with Canterbury, late Wednesday, meaning his eagerly-awaited New Zealand first-class debut is expected to be on July 30 against Hawke's Bay on his new home ground.

The prospective All Blacks midfielder said there was a simple reason he chose to go the Christchurch to join provincial heavyweight Canterbury and the successful Crusaders Super 14 outfit.

"I was very flattered by the interest but I basically made my decision on where I felt I could best succeed as a rugby player. I chose Canterbury and the Crusaders because, rather than switching from town to town, I'd rather just be in the same set-up straight away.

"I feel I'll develop better as a player. There were better offers which was very flattering and it was a very difficult decision because there were other factors involved.

"For me it's all about trying to become an All Black, and being down there in that set-up, even though it was for less money, was the right thing to do."

He said other factors included the lure of playing alongside "dear friend" Tana Umaga at Counties-Manukau; or under the coaching of fellow Samoan Pat Lam at Auckland or former All Black Jeff Wilson at North Harbour; even living near his mum in Auckland where he was schooled.

Williams said his Umaga, his mentor in his conversion from league to union with French club Toulon, had tried to steer him towards Counties-Manukau, but told him to go with what felt right.

The presence of All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter in Christchurch was a factor, along with Brad Thorn, who made a successful switch from the National Rugby League to the All Blacks.

"Obviously (Carter) was a very big factor. He's one of the best No 10s in the world, up there with Jonny Wilkinson. I felt that when I was in Toulon I played my best rugby when I formed a good connection with Jonny.

"Also if you go through their (Canterbury) team and see how many good players they've got. Brad Thorn's a special talent. When you look at the way he's become probably one of the best forwards in the world and he's come from NRL, that was definitely a big factor and I'll be looking to hopefully follow in his footsteps."

He was eager to prove himself worthy of an All Blacks' end-of-year tour but stressed he didn't see himself as a world beater, just a young man with a dream.

"I'm dedicated and I don't have an ego at all. I'm going down there with a blank page and I'm willing to learn off anyone, whether it be Dan Carter or the younger boys.

"I'm still relatively new to this game and I know that, but I'm trying to put myself in the best situation. There's no cockiness from me, I'm just going over there to work hard."

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