Family Background
Rodney Williams, Ali's father, was born in Kent, then moved and played rugby for Blackheath. His mother, Helen, was born in Carlisle, but her mother, Doreen, comes from Galashiels, Scotland. Rodney and Helen emigrated to New Zealand after they married, and Williams was born there. By birth, he was qualified to play for New Zealand; through his father, he was eligible to play for England; and through his maternal grandmother he was eligible to play for Scotland. Through his mother, he is related to Donald Fairgrieve, former president of Gala RFC in the Scottish Borders, and also to former Scottish scrum-half Arthur Dorward (a cousin of his maternal grandfather), who played 15 Tests between 1950 and 1957. His younger brother, Jay, is also a rugby footballer, who plays at lock for Auckland. Together with former Blues and All Blacks team-mate Doug Howlett, Williams is an official patron of the KidsCan Charitable Trust, a national charity dedicated to the welfare of financially disadvantaged New Zealand children.
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