All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says he has no problem with Sonny Bill Williams returning to the boxing ring.
Williams will step into the ring for the first time in three years on December 1 in Sydney against a yet-to-be-announced opponent.
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The fight is being dubbed the 'Banger under the Hanger' and is raising funds for the Exodus Foundation in Australia and the Auckland City Mission.
If healthy, Williams is expected to be selected for the All Blacks' end of year tour to the northern hemisphere, meaning he won't get much time to train for the bout properly.
The All Blacks' last game of the tour is on November 25 (NZ time) against Italy, so Williams would likely head straight for Sydney at the conclusion of the trip north.
Hansen said that lots of the players use boxing as a part of their fitness and workouts, so he has zero issues with his star player participating.
"From my understanding, it is a very low-key fight and it about raising money for the homeless in Sydney and the Auckland City Mission," Hansen said on Sunday.
"He's pretty confident. I've spoken to Khoder Nasser [Williams' agent], and he's confident that won't take place will hinder him, so you've got to back their view.
"I think he's going to get off the plane and do it being the sort of athlete he is. You should speak to him about all the details, but I have no problem with it."
Meanwhile, Brodie Retallick and Ngani Laumape will miss next weekend's test against South Africa in Wellington due to injury.
Retallick left the field early in last night's 46-24 victory over Argentina in Nelson on Saturday, while Laumape suffered a knee injury.
Hansen said Retallick would likely miss six weeks, with Laumape expected to be out for two to three weeks.
Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been called back into the squad as cover for Retallick.
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