Sir Bryan Williams - 1970 Apartheid Tour of South Africa, Pasifika Rugby & Discrimination in NZ

Sir Bryan Williams became an All Black winger when he was 19 in 1970 and quickly became a household name.

Since his playing days finished in 1978, he has done so much! He coached Samoa, the Hurricanes and Auckland. He’s been Knighted and inducted to THREE separate sports halls of fame. He was President of the NZ rugby union. And most weekends you’ll find him on the sidelines at the Ponsonby rugby club where is a passionate life member.

It’s hard to think of any individual that has done more to promote Pasifika rugby than BeeGee.

This is a small part of the Sir Bryan Williams story.

His recollections of making the All Blacks and touring apartheid South Africa as a Samoan.

His memories of the shameful Dawn Raids in NZ

Insights into life on tour as an All Black in the 70s including the unforgettable incident where Keith Murdoch got sent home.

Then there’s the second half: Stories from his coaching career, why he initially wanted to decline his Knighthood, his time being President of the NZRU, the birth of the Moana Pasifika super rugby team, reflections on life, goals for the future and much more.

00:00 Introduction to Sir Bryan Williams 14:55 Early Life and Cultural Background 26:50 Experiences in Apartheid South Africa 46:52 Career Transition and Life After Rugby 01:01:21 The Evolution of Rugby in the Pacific Islands 01:07:42 Gratitude and Family Values 01:10:39 Music and Its Impact on Life 01:18:37 Financial Wisdom and Future Planning