Sonny Bill Williams allowed to cover up Betfred logo

Super League chief executive Robert Elstone has praised Betfred for allowing Sonny Bill Williams to cover up their logo on his Toronto jersey for religious reasons.

The 34-year-old, who converted to Islam in 2009, previously covered up the logos of banking sponsors while at rugby union side Auckland Blues.

Elstone said: “I think the matter has been resolved in satisfactory fashion.

“I have say a big thank you to Betfred for the way they’ve managed this. We suspected it might be an issue but it only really surfaced five or six days ago and Betfred have taken it on, considered it and come up with the right answer and one that works for all parties.

“I’m really pleased, they showed a progressive, pragmatic approach to this.”

French clubs Catalans and Toulouse do not wear the Betfred sponsorship logos on their shirts at home games, with French laws prohibiting the advertising of gambling, alcohol and tobacco products.

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