[VIDEO] Sonny Bill Williams heart-wrenching message in wake of the mosque attack

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My heart is hurting about the news coming out of Christchurch. Sending love & prayers to the effected families <a href="https://t.co/7PX9wc56b8">pic.twitter.com/7PX9wc56b8</a></p>— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonnyBWilliams/status/1106401139828785152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Cape Town - All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Blues' Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Auckland on Friday to spend time in Christchurch in the wake of last week's terror attacks in the city.

Williams will be in Christchurch, helping to raise money for the victims and their families and to aid those affected by the tragedy.

A devout Muslim, Williams has been vocal in his support for the city of Christchurch and expressed his sadness at the attacks, which left 50 people dead and many more injured.

The 33-year-old has teamed up with charity Muslims Around the World (MATW), a not-for-profit that helps disadvantaged Muslims across the globe.

Williams posted an emotional video to Twitter on Friday after the attacks, expressing his support for those impacted.

"(I'm) sending out my duas to everyone that’s been killed today in Christchurch... you guys are all in paradise," he said.

"I'm just deeply, deeply saddened this would happen in New Zealand."

The impact of the news is still being felt across the country, with the Blues reportedly cancelling their Monday media session in the aftermath of the shootings.

Williams' absence for the Highlanders clash will count as one of his mandatory All Blacks stand down weeks, with all New Zealand Test players needing to rest for two games ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

The Blues have an obvious replacement for Williams in Ma'a Nonu, the former All Black who last played in the defeat to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on March 3.

Last Saturday's clash between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin was cancelled because of the attacks but the Crusaders will return to Super Rugby action against the Waratahs on Saturday.

The Waratahs will hold a minute's silence before the game on Saturday to acknowledge the victims of the attack.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Sup...landers-clash-to-help-mosque-victims-20190319

 

[KingKhanWC]

I also read NZ rugby match was cancelled which would have had 20,000 fans in the ground. The team will lose all the income from this cancelled match as there was no insurance. The team knew this but felt due to the tragic incident it was no appropriate.

Another team are thinking of changing their name which has 'crusaders' in it. They want to discuss this with the Muslims of NZ and see if they want this change.

Yet again, amazing gestures and consideration from the people of NZ.

 

[Bewal Express]

Sonny Bill was a wild child earlier in his Rugby League career but with his journey to Islam he has become a leader. He is perhaps the most famous Muslim in Australia/NZ and his compassion will help to heal these painful wounds.

 

[Bewal Express]

I also read NZ rugby match was cancelled which would have had 20,000 fans in the ground. The team will lose all the income from this cancelled match as there was no insurance. The team knew this but felt due to the tragic incident it was no appropriate.

Another team are thinking of changing their name which has 'crusaders' in it. They want to discuss this with the Muslims of NZ and see if they want this change.

Yet again, amazing gestures and consideration from the people of NZ.

The Crusaders are the most successful Super Rugby team and personally I think changing the name will serve no purpose.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The Crusaders are the most successful Super Rugby team and personally I think changing the name will serve no purpose.

I agree and I dont think the NZ Muslims will want this as it's a well known brand now. The mere fact the team were willing to change their brand name, shows how considerate they are. We would never see this in the UK.

 

[kingusama92]

New Zealand's handling of this horribly tragedy has been special. What a wonderful community of people.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On behalf of the ouma (Muslims), thank you New Zealand. Now it’s time for the conversation to start <a href="https://t.co/cP9l0Hycbs">pic.twitter.com/cP9l0Hycbs</a></p>— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonnyBWilliams/status/1108994189188952067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Major]

have to say, the way NZ has reacted, a great community. Only if Pakistanis could also learn from them