Rugby: Sonny Bill Williams to get new World Cup winners' medal

Charlie Lines (centre) reacts after New Zealand All Blacks player Sonny Bill Williams gives him his gold medal. PHOTO: EPA

London (AFP) - New Zealand All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams will be given a new World Cup winners' medal to replace the one he handed to a young fan after Saturday's final victory over Australia.

Williams said the boy, later identified as Charlie Lines, was thrown to the ground by a security official after running on to the Twickenham pitch following the 34-17 triumph.

"I was walking around doing a lap of honour with the boys and a young fella came running out and he got smoked by the security guard, like full on tackled him. I felt sorry for the little fella," said Williams after the incident.

"He would have been eight or seven, I kind of felt sorry for him.

"Hopefully (the medal) made it a night to remember for him. It's better that he has it rather than having it hang up at home."

On Sunday, on the sidelines of the World Player of the Year award in London, World Rugby praised Williams' gesture and confirmed he will be presented with a second medal.

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