Ali Williams laces up his boots

All Blacks lock Ali Williams is preparing to make his return to the playing field after arriving at his new temporary home in Nottingham.

Williams missed all of the 2010 season in New Zealand after rupturing his Achilles tendon for the second time and is hoping a short stint in England's second division get help him get him back up to speed ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby season.

The 29-year-old is set to play up to four games for the side as he attempts his recovery ahead of the Super 15 season in New Zealand and is eager to get back on the park.

"Already I can tell this is a great home stadium and I'm looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in some key games in January," Williams told the Nottingham club website.

"It was really good to meet up with the squad yesterday evening and I'm sure I'll fit in well.

"I can't wait to get my boots back on and try and make a real impact for Nottingham," he said.

Nottingham have two crucial games in the time Williams is with them, against former Premiership side Bristol on January 9 and another with Munster on January 14.

Nottingham chief executive Glenn Delaney said Williams' presence would be a boost for the side.

"We had some good momentum which was halted by the snow, but with the boost of having Ali we know we [can] reproduce the same levels of quality and continue our three-match winning run," he said.