Williams won his first All Blacks cap in 2002

Nottingham have agreed a month-long deal for New Zealand lock Ali Williams.

Williams, who has won 61 caps for the All Blacks, will join the Championship side in January as he continues his comeback from an Achilles injury.

The 29-year-old has barely played in two years and has had three operations on his Achilles tendon.

Williams said: "I am excited and very grateful that Nottingham has given me this chance. I can't wait to put my boots on and hit the paddock."

The Auckland and Blues forward has been released by the New Zealand Rugby Union to play for up to four matches with the Green & Whites and is expected to arrive in the East Midlands at the end of December.

606: DEBATE Everyone wins I reckon and I don't think Nottingham will have paid a dime for his service kiwibloke01

Williams will link up with a strong Kiwi contingent at Meadow Lane which includes director of rugby Glenn Delaney, assistant coach Ben Herring and captain Craig Hammond.

Delaney said: "We are delighted to help Ali get back to playing after serious injury.

"Having a player of his calibre and experience at the club will be a huge benefit to the players and I am sure the supporters will be excited to have a world-class player in their team."

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