Former All Black Ali Williams and his wife Casey Green are leaving France, and are set to return to New Zealand later this year.
News of the family’s decision to return to New Zealand comes after Williams’ professional rugby career ended following his arrest for trying to buy cocaine outside a Paris nightclub in February.
Shortly after he was arrested, the test star took to social media to apologise for his actions: “I made a big mistake and I’m sorry. I feel I’ve let down our beloved rugby community. I will face the consequences. Thanks 4 all the support.”
Following a court appearance earlier this month Williams, 35, was convicted of buying the A-class drug and fined €1500 ($2300). Ex-Wallabies star James O’Connor, who also arrested with Williams, was fined for the lesser charge of possession.
In her interview with The New Zealand Herald, Williams’ wife Casey Green says the couple, and their family, are planning to come back to New Zealand to live in a few months’ time.
The A-list pair and their two daughters – three-year-old Jessica, and a seven-month-old baby Claudia – are currently based in Paris
“Good things come from adversity,” Green says, “and I’m thrilled to be bringing my family home and to get back into my fitness and nutritional work.
“By the time we land, it would’ve been four years living abroad. We left on a 9 month contract. It has been an unforgettable adventure as a family, but it’s time to come home.”
The former All Black lock was signed to French rugby club Racing 92 as a player and an off-field ambassador. He has since been dismissed from the club in the fallout from his conviction.
Williams also received a second fine of €1500 from the French rugby national governing body for “behaviour likely to undermine the image and the reputation of rugby”.
