New Zealand appeals against Sonny Bill Williams ban

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that they have launched an appeal on the decision of World Rugby to ban All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams following a red card incident in the second Test against British and Irish Lions in Wellington.

The Blues centre became the first New Zealand player to be sent-off in 50 years after he performed a shoulder charge on British and Irish Lions' Anthony Watson during the second game of the series that the visitors won 21-24.

As a result, Williams, who was suspended for four weeks missed the series deciding third game in Auckland that ended in a 15-15 draw and was also on the sidelines for the final round of the Super Rugby competition that saw his team Blues lose to Sunwolves 48-21.

The 31-year-old will be available to play again for the world champions on August 20 but will also have to miss the Rugby Championship 2017 opener against Australia the week before.

A statement released by the New Zealand board confirmed on their decision to appeal against the decision.

"New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams has appealed the World Rugby judicial committee's decision not to include the All Blacks match on 11 August in the four-week suspension given to Williams following a hearing into the red card he received in the second Test against the touring British & Irish Lions.

"As the matter will now be decided by an appeal committee, no further comment will be made at this time."