All Blacks lock Ali Williams open to Nottingham return

Williams, who has 66 caps, played four games for Nottingham

New Zealand lock Ali Williams says he would love to return to Nottingham and cites his brief stint there as a big factor in his international comeback.

Williams, 30, is in his homeland preparing for his third World Cup.

But he says his four-game spell at the Championship side, after an injury-hit two years, was "key" to his return.

"The club rallied around me. The people there were magic. Nottingham was a great club and I'm sure I'll be back," Williams said.

Williams moved to Nottingham in to link up with fellow Kiwi Glenn Delaney - Nottingham's director of rugby.

"It was definitely the start [of his comeback]," Williams added.

"Obviously the All Blacks coaches knew about it and agreed with it. It was the start. I think I owe a lot to Nottingham."

A veteran of 66 Tests, Williams spent nearly two years sidelined with career-threatening Achilles tendon injuries.

Williams, whose parents are both English but emigrated to New Zealand before their son was born, made his Test comeback in time for the Tri Nations series.

He is is part of the squad preparing for the All Blacks' opening game against Tonga on Friday.