A Canterbury first-five, Riley Williams was one of three debutants named in the All Blacks Sevens squad for the 2025-26 season opener in Dubai. A former New Zealand Under 20 halfback, Williams impressed selectors at the Ignite7 tournament in Tauranga. His playmaking ability and reading of the game make him a natural fit for the fast-paced demands of sevens, where his passing skill and decision-making under pressure are key assets.

Williams is one of the younger and more technically gifted backs in the programme, his ability to control tempo and create opportunities for players around him continues to add depth to the squad.