Sonny Bill Williams’ “heart aches” for the human suffering unfolding in Ukraine.
“The sad thing about these wars, when it comes to politics, it’s the innocent, the layman, the lower class that get affected, always,” he told Wide World of Sports.
“I’m a human first and foremost so my heart aches for those people.”
The sporting phenomenon has been passionate about using his considerable platform for good in recent years.
After winning his second Rugby World Cup in 2015, Williams visited Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon.
He was deeply affected and urged Australians to not forget their plight either.
Sonny Bill Williams vs Barry Hall, live and exclusive on Stan Event, March 23. Purchase the event now at stan.com.au/event
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“What I’m also trying to say is look at the big picture,” Williams said.
“Look at what’s happening in the Middle East, Syria and Palestine for the last 70 years. The last year the BBC reported that there was 400,000 deaths in Syria alone.
“That’s what I’m trying to say, I’m trying to bring light on everything, all aspects, no matter who you are and what walk of life you are.
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“It’s a sad place we’re in, the 21st century, where a group of old men or women, in a back room, can determine the outcome of life for the majority of people in that country who are generally laymen, working class people.
“And that’s where I come from.”
Williams, unbeaten in his professional boxing career, will fight AFL legend Barry Hall on Wednesday night in Sydney.
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