Tim Nanai-Williams admits it was a weird feeling playing against his former teammates but says he has no regrets about committing to Samoan rugby.
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The 25-year-old Chiefs utility back switched his allegiance from New Zealand in November and made his debut for Samoa at the Dubai and Port Elizabeth Sevens earlier this month.
It was a disappointing fortnight for Samoa, who failed to make the Cup quarter finals at both events. A New Zealand sevens representative in 2008-09, Nanai-Williams is utilising an loophole in eligibility laws to play for Samoa and will become eligible for the fifteen-a-side team after playing four tournaments on the sevens circuit.
Nanai-Williams says it felt great to pull on the blue jersey. “I’m totally happy,” he said.
“I think I had to literally get on the field just to make it come true and just really felt like a dream and especially playing against my old team - against the sevens boys, New Zealand Captain DJ Forbes and stuff like that.
“It was weird at first but I think I just had to get on the field. I was quite emotional, to be honest, but it’s a decision that I’m happy with, me and my family are happy with”.
Nanai-Williams will play for Samoa at the Wellington Sevens in February and says he’s likely to complete his commitments in Edinburgh in May, when the Chiefs have the bye.
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