Williams has won 61 caps for the All Blacks

Nottingham captain Craig Hammond says the short-term signing of All Blacks forward Ali Williams is wonderful news.

Williams, 29, will be linking up with the Championship side in January as he looks to build his fitness following an injury-ravaged two years.

Hammond said: "Ali's a world-class player. Everyone involved with the club is incredibly excited.

"All the guys are looking forward to training alongside him and playing with him when he wears the Green and White."

The Auckland and Blues forward has been released by the New Zealand Rugby Union to play up to four matches for Nottingham director of rugby Glenn Delaney's men.

Williams, who has been plagued by Achilles tendon problems, is scheduled to join his fellow Kiwis Hammond and Delaney in the East Midlands at the end of December.

Hammond added: "It's also great for the fans of Nottingham to have Ali here, January will be a crucial month for us to pick up results and he will be a very big boost."

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