The Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith was the key component in the franchise's signing of Sonny Bill Williams for next year's Super 15 season.
Williams confirmed yesterday that he's remaining in New Zealand having signed with the NZRU for another year.
Rennie says Williams' relationship with Smith secured the deal.
The New Zealand rugby union would have preferred to sign Williams to a longer term contract but he wasn't interested.
