Former footy star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams is set to begin a new career as a university academic, despite admitting he dropped out of school when he was just 14.Â
The New Zealand star has revealed he has been named the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU).
Williams, who has long been known for his inspiring work championing social equality and humanitarian causes, will now work with the university to ‘nurture well-rounded graduates who are globally competitive and socially responsible’.
In a statement, AIU wrote: ‘His [Williams’] involvement will enhance the university’s vision of fostering a transformative educational environment where values-driven leadership meets academic excellence.
‘Beyond Advising key initiatives such as student engagement and community outreach programmes, his presence at AIU will inspire students to strive for excellence in both their personal and professional journeys.’
The 39-year-old, who grew up in Auckland, admitted his pride at being handed the honour.
The New Zealand star has also revealed he has been named the inaugural Pro-Chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU)
Williams, aged 39, spoke of his pride after being handed the honour by the university
The rugby and boxing star made 58 appearances for New Zealand between 2010 and 2019
‘For someone who dropped out of school at 14 and was given a chance to change my life through sports, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,’ Williams wrote on X.
‘Along with changing my family’s situation, I was also able to attain a university degree.
‘Special thanks to the Founder of Albukhary International University, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, the Board of Governors, and the entire AIU community.
‘Lastly, to the students, I look forward to meeting and speaking with you all next month on the 10th. God bless!’
The rugby legend has previously told The New Zealand Herald that he aspires to be a ‘voice for the voiceless’ and recently also spoke broke his silence on the current debates going on in New Zealand’s Parliament, relating to the the Treaty of Waitangi.Â
Williams has thrown his support behind a student who had been banned from attending a Sydney high school’s end-of-year formal.
The year 12 Condell Park High School student had worn a Keffiyeh scarf to his graduation ceremony, given to him by his sister, to display his Palestinian heritage.
The student was subsequently banned from attending the celebration event and has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Williams took to social media, writing: ‘Let’s hope this young man, along with other students wearing clothing from different cultures, is allowed to graduate’Â
Sonny Bill Williams has thrown his support behind a student who had been banned from attending his school’s end-of-year formal
The student had worn a Keffiyeh scarf to his graduation ceremony, given to him by his sister, to display his Palestinian heritage (stock image)
‘A student has been prohibited from attending the end-of-year celebration at Condell Park High School for simply wearing a Keffiyeh,’ the former rugby league and union star said.
‘Let’s hope this young man, along with other students wearing clothing from different cultures, is allowed to graduate on the 28th!’
Williams has also been vocal on his support for Palestinian communities, recently posting a picture of himself on social media, wearing a hoody that had the Palestine national flag printed on it.Â
The student had explained to teachers at the school why he was wearing the Keffiyeh, telling The Sydney Morning Herald: ‘I kept explaining that it’s a cultural thing that I wear on special occasions, but they kept saying that I was making a political statement in a public school and I can’t do that.
‘They said it wouldn’t be the smartest decision to keep it on and that I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of the higher-ups so close to the end of the year.’
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education told Daily Mail Australia that Condell Park High will ‘continue to work with the family and their legal representatives to resolve this matter’.
The boy’s lawyer had also sent a complaint to the Department of Education to request a formal apology and that the boy be re-invited to attend the end-of-year celebration.
The boy’s family had also been unsuccessful in their attempts to convince the school that the boy was making a tribute to his own heritage.Â
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Condell Park High School for comment.
