Sonny Bill Williams announces shock new career path after admitting he dropped out of school when he was only 14 years old

Former footy star and boxer Sonny Bill Williams is set to embark on a new career as a university academic despite admitting he quit school at the age of 14.

The New Zealand star has revealed he has been appointed the inaugural pro-chancellor of Albukhary International University (AIU).

Williams, who has long been known for his inspiring work in social equality and humanitarian causes, will now work with the university to “nurture well-rounded graduates who are globally competitive and socially responsible.”

In a statement, AIU wrote: “From him [Williams’] involvement will strengthen the University’s vision of fostering a transformative educational environment that brings together values-driven leadership and academic excellence.

“In addition to advising key initiatives such as student engagement programs and community outreach, his presence at AIU will inspire students to strive for excellence in both their personal and professional journeys.”

The 39-year-old, who grew up in Auckland, admitted he was proud to receive the honour.

Williams, 39, spoke of his pride after receiving the honor from the university

The rugby and boxing star played 58 games for New Zealand between 2010 and 2019

“For someone who dropped out of school at the age of 14 and had the opportunity to change my life through sport, this appointment is a proud privilege to be part of a university that does the same through education,” wrote Williams on X.

‘In addition to changing my family’s situation, I was also able to obtain a university degree.

“Special thanks to the founder of Albukhary International University, Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, the Board of Governors and the entire AIU community.

“Finally, I would like to tell the students that I look forward to meeting and speaking to all of you next month on the 10th. God bless!’

The rugby legend previously told The New Zealand Herald that he aims to be a ‘voice for the voiceless’ and also recently broke his silence on the current debates taking place in the New Zealand Parliament, regarding the Treaty of Waitangi.

Williams has voiced his support for a student who was banned from attending a Sydney high school’s end-of-year celebration.

The Year 12 Condell Park High School student had worn a Keffiyeh scarf, given to him by his sister, to his graduation ceremony to show his Palestinian heritage.

The student was subsequently barred from attending the celebration event and has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Williams wrote on social media: “Let’s hope this young man, along with other students wearing clothes from different cultures, can graduate.”

Sonny Bill Williams has expressed his support for a student who was excluded from attending his school’s end-of-term celebration

The student had worn a Keffiyeh scarf, given to him by his sister, to his graduation ceremony to show his Palestinian heritage (stock image)

“A student has been banned from attending the end-of-year celebrations at Condell Park High School because he was only wearing a Keffiyeh,” the former rugby league and union star said.

“Let’s hope that this young man, together with other students wearing clothes from different cultures, can graduate on the 28th!”

Williams has also been vocal about his support for Palestinian communities, recently posting a photo of himself on social media wearing a hoodie with the Palestinian national flag printed on it.

The student had explained to teachers at school why he wore the Keffiyeh, telling The Sydney Morning Herald: “I kept explaining that it is a cultural thing that I wear on special occasions but they kept saying I was making a political statement in a public school and I can’t do that.

“They said it wouldn’t be the smartest decision to continue it and that I wouldn’t want to end up on the wrong side of the higher-ups so close to the end of the year.”

A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education told Daily Mail Australia that Condell Park High “will continue to work with the family and their legal representatives to resolve this matter”.

The boy’s lawyer had also sent a complaint to the Ministry of Education requesting a formal apology and to reinvite the boy to attend the end-of-year celebration.

The boy’s family also failed to convince the school that the boy was paying tribute to his own heritage.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Condell Park High School for comment.