New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams is close to returning from injury in what will be a huge boost to the All Black management ahead of the Lions series this summer.

Williams has been out injured since suffering an achilles injury last August at the Olympics in Rio.

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams is taken off injured. Image: ©INPHO/Photosport/John Cowpland

Auckland Blues' coach Tana Umaga spoke recently on Veitchy on Sport saying: "He has been training with us, and it's how he feels after he trains.

"If he can get many days where he feels good after training, then that's the process we're going through at the moment, where he's pain-free after one training, and then he can get through a whole week of training.

"It's good to be back, but it's hard to say whether it's this weekend, next weekend or after the bye."

Williams is yet to play for his new side despite signing for the Blues last June on a three year deal. The two-time World Cup winner has played 33 games for his national side scoring nine tries.