Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams performs Umrah

New Zealand's All Blacks and Blues superstar Sonny Bill Williams has taken a break from his off-season training and visited Mecca to perform Umrah, as a part of an Islamic pilgrimage.

The 32-year-old rugby union star converted to Islam in 2009. Visiting Mecca is a trip that Muslims, who are capable, must perform at least once in their lifetime.

Before visiting Saudi Arabia, Williams had been training with a strength and conditioning coach alongside Quade Cooper, Michael Boxall and Nikko Boxall. Williams has posted photos on his social media of his trip, including himself standing in front of the Holy Kaaba.

What an amazing feeling visiting the prophets(as) holy masjid in Madinah.

A post shared by Sonny Bill Williams (@sonnybillwilliams) on Jan 14, 2018 at 1:53pm PST

"What an amazing feeling visiting the Prophets (PBUH) holy mosque in Madinah," Williams wrote on Instagram.

Umrah 2018. Peace & ?? my friends

A post shared by Sonny Bill Williams (@sonnybillwilliams) on Jan 16, 2018 at 9:44am PST

"Thanks to the Shiekhs for their insightful knowledge today," he said in another post.

Awesome morning spent visiting the baqee cemetery & making dua for some of the greatest people in Islamic history thanks to the Shiek’s for their insightful knowledge today ??

A post shared by Sonny Bill Williams (@sonnybillwilliams) on Jan 14, 2018 at 10:42pm PST