Sonny Bill Williams, the former New Zealand rugby superstar and professional boxer, has been married to Australian entrepreneur Alana Raffie since 2014. The couple, who share five children, have built a family life centered on their shared Islamic faith and personal values. Their relationship has attracted renewed attention in October 2026 after Williams underwent major open-heart surgery to correct a congenital heart condition, with Alana reportedly supporting him throughout his hospitalization and recovery.
While Williams is internationally recognized for his achievements in rugby league, rugby union and boxing, Alana has largely maintained a quieter public identity. However, her involvement in family projects, social media and their shared food content has gradually introduced her to a wider audience.
Who Is Sonny Bill Williams’ Wife?
Sonny Bill Williams’ wife is Alana Raffie, an Australian former model and entrepreneur.
She comes from a South African Cape Malay background and has spoken through her public appearances about the importance of family and faith.
Unlike her husband, whose sporting career involved international tournaments and widespread media attention, Alana initially maintained a relatively private lifestyle.
Her public profile increased as Williams began sharing more about their marriage and family experiences.
Over time, the couple also became involved in creating online content together.
Alana is now recognized not only as the wife of a famous athlete but also as a mother of five and a participant in their family-focused media projects.
How Did Sonny Bill Williams Meet Alana Raffie?
Sonny Bill Williams met Alana Raffie in 2013 while she was working at a retail store.
Their relationship developed unusually quickly compared with many celebrity romances.
According to Williams’ autobiography, You Can’t Stop The Sun From Shining, the couple decided to marry approximately four weeks after meeting.
The decision reflected their shared religious beliefs and their desire to establish a committed relationship.
Williams later explained that their marriage began before they had developed the deep romantic feelings traditionally associated with long-term relationships.
Instead, they believed that love and understanding could grow through commitment, shared values and everyday experiences.
Their approach attracted considerable attention when Williams publicly discussed the circumstances surrounding their wedding.
Despite the unconventional beginning, their marriage has continued for more than a decade.
When Did Sonny Bill Williams Get Married?
Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie married in 2014 in a private ceremony.
Their wedding reflected their preference for keeping important personal milestones relatively intimate.
At the time, Williams was already an internationally recognized rugby player with a successful professional career.
However, he chose not to organize a highly publicized celebrity wedding.
The couple’s decision to marry quickly became an important part of their relationship story.
Williams has subsequently spoken about how marriage helped him develop a stronger sense of responsibility.
Their relationship evolved alongside his demanding sporting schedule, which included international travel, training commitments and major competitions.
By October 2026, the couple had been married for more than 12 years.
Alana Raffie’s Background and Faith
Alana Raffie has South African Cape Malay ancestry, a cultural background associated with a longstanding Muslim community in South Africa.
Her religious beliefs have played an important role in her relationship with Williams.
The former rugby player converted to Islam in 2009 and has frequently discussed the influence of faith on his personal development.
Their shared beliefs became a foundation for their marriage and family life.
In 2022, Alana began wearing the hijab, marking a significant personal decision.
Williams publicly expressed his admiration and support for her choice.
The couple has continued discussing aspects of Muslim family life through their online appearances.
However, they have generally maintained boundaries around more personal religious and family matters.
How Many Children Do Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Have?
Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie are parents to five children.
They have two daughters, Iman and Aisha, and three sons, Zaid, Essa and Mohammed.
Their youngest child, Mohammed, was welcomed in July 2024.
The arrival expanded their family to seven and marked another important milestone in their marriage.
Williams has occasionally shared photographs and stories about fatherhood, describing the responsibilities that come with raising a large family.
Although he spent much of his professional career competing internationally, family life became increasingly important as his children grew older.
Alana has also been involved in documenting selected family experiences through social media.
However, the couple has not made extensive details about their children’s education and private activities publicly available.
Sonny and Alana’s Halal Food Channel
Beyond their family responsibilities, Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie have worked together on a food-focused online project.
Their channel, Let’s Eat with Sonny and Alana, features visits to restaurants and discussions about halal dining experiences.
The content highlights food establishments, particularly around Sydney, while introducing viewers to different cuisines.
The project combines the couple’s interest in food with their shared Muslim lifestyle.
It also offers followers an opportunity to see a more relaxed side of Williams outside professional sport.
Alana plays an important role in these appearances, contributing to conversations and restaurant experiences.
Their content has attracted viewers interested in halal food recommendations and family-oriented entertainment.
The channel represents another example of how their relationship has developed into a creative partnership.
Alana Supported Williams During His Heart Surgery
In October 2026, Sonny Bill Williams revealed that he had undergone major open-heart surgery.
The procedure was performed to address a congenital heart condition that required serious medical intervention.
Reports identified the operation as a Ross procedure, a complex surgery involving replacement of a diseased aortic valve with the patient’s pulmonary valve.
Williams described the experience as a frightening health challenge.
The former athlete, known for his exceptional physical fitness throughout his sporting career, faced an unexpected medical situation requiring extensive treatment and recovery.
Alana reportedly remained close to him throughout his hospitalization.
Her support became an important part of the family’s experience during the difficult period.
Following the operation, Williams was discharged from hospital to continue recovering at home.
The surgery represented a major personal challenge for Williams, highlighting the importance of family support as he adjusted to life after a serious cardiac procedure.
Sonny Bill Williams’ Rugby and Boxing Career
Sonny Bill Williams was born on August 3, 1985, in Auckland, New Zealand.
He became one of the most recognizable athletes to compete successfully in both rugby league and rugby union.
His rugby league career included spells with the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.
He also represented New Zealand in rugby union, becoming part of the All Blacks teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.
His combination of strength, athleticism and technical ability helped establish him as a prominent international player.
Alongside rugby, Williams pursued professional boxing and competed in several heavyweight contests.
His achievements across multiple sports contributed to his reputation as an unusually versatile athlete.
Following his retirement from elite rugby, he remained involved in public appearances, sports discussions and family projects.
Are Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie Still Married?
As of October 2026, Sonny Bill Williams and Alana Raffie remain married.
Their relationship has continued through major sporting achievements, the arrival of five children and Williams’ recent health challenges.
There have been no confirmed public announcements suggesting that the couple has separated.
Alana continues to be associated with their family life and shared online projects.
Their marriage remains closely connected to their religious beliefs, parenting responsibilities and commitment to supporting one another.
For Williams, whose career has included international championships and demanding physical competition, his relationship with Alana has remained an important part of his life beyond professional sport.
As he continues recovering from heart surgery, his wife and children remain central to the personal chapter that follows his remarkable athletic career.
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