Manawatu and Central Vikings No. 8 Karl Williams was involved with the first three seasons of Hurricanes rugby. Williams played as a specialist No. 8 alongside Filo Tiatia, and when fit was an invaluable member of the squad in that time.

In 1996 he played four games at No. 8 and two off the bench. In 1997 he started at the back of the scrum every week up to round eight when he suffered a season ending injury in the team’s 60-34 win over the Highlanders. This also prevented him from playing for the Central Vikings in their inaugural NPC season later that year. He returned to the Hurricanes in 1998, appearing another eight times throughout the season.

Prior to 1996 Williams was vastly experienced at provincial level and captained Manawatu in 1995-1996. He also represented Manawatu at Sevens and was a regular Manawatu age group representative. He played at lock in his All Black Trial in 1993, and represented the New Zealand Marist team.

Williams subsequently moved to Sydney.