 In August 2007, Ali Williams announced that he had signed a new contract with the NZRU that would keep him in New Zealand until the end of 2009 and that he was signing for the Tasman Makos for 2008, so as to be eligible for selection for the Crusaders in the 2008 Super 14 season.Salary cap restrictions prevented a move to Canterbury, but his contract with Tasman has an option that would allow him to be loaned to Canterbury for the 2008 ANZ Cup.Williams was duly included in the Crusaders squad when New Zealand's 2008 Super 14 teams were announced, in October 2007.