Sonny Bill Williams will make his return to rugby union off the bench when Counties-Manukau play Auckland tonight in the ITM Cup Premiership.

Williams has declared himself refreshed and ready to play rugby union again.

He has trained with Counties-Manukau for the first time, a little over a week after completing his second stint in the NRL.

Meanwhile former Fiji Under 20 Viliame Rarasea and Sikeli Nabou will also come off the bench for Counties.

The Counties-Manukau will take on Auckland at 6.35pm tonight.