Nottingham's Ali Williams driven on by World Cup goal

Williams, who has won 61 caps for New Zealand, takes a breather during Nottingham's win over Bristol last weekend

Nottingham loan signing Ali Williams says the chance to play for the All Blacks in a third World Cup has driven him on during his injury nightmare.

The New Zealand forward has joined the Green & Whites for a month as he tries to build his fitness after nearly two years plagued by Achilles problems.

"It [the World Cup goal] means everything to be honest," Williams, 29, told BBC East Midlands Today.

"That's why I put myself through what I have in terms of the rehab."

Williams admits he has had to consider the possibility he would never play at the top level again after an injury-ravaged 2009 and 2010 which meant he barely played.

So far, so good. I'm enjoying it. They are a good bunch of lads and there are enough Kiwis in the team to make me feel at home

Ali Williams

"I did think I might not get back," Williams said.

"The fear was that the body would not hold up and be able to play but now that I have played a game I know that I have to work on it slowly.

"But what will be will be. It's one of those things in life. There are things that happen for a reason and if it's not meant to be then it's not meant to be."

That first appearance came in Nottingham's 36-12 win over Moseley on New Year's Day.

And he followed that up with a 40-minute shift in last Sunday's 25-18 victory over Bristol.

"It was fantastic," Williams said. "I love the game and love the sport. The fact I was able to get out there and play 20 minutes was great and I have to build on it.

"So far, so good. I'm enjoying it. They are a good bunch of lads and there are enough Kiwis in the team to make me feel at home."