IT looked like an audition for a new Little John.

Tim Pollard – aka Nottingham Castle's official Robin Hood – stood outside the castle in full Robin regalia.

Next to him – or more specifically, towering over him – was a New Zealander you probably wouldn't want to run into on a bad day in Sherwood Forest.

But Ali Williams wasn't there looking for work as one of Robin's Merry Men.

The international rugby player, who's been capped 61 times for the All-Blacks and is now spending a month playing for Nottingham, had come to the castle to learn a little about the history of his temporary home.

That said, Tim reckoned Ali would fit in.

"An Enormous John," Tim said. "More stopping power than an English longbow, that's what I reckon."

Ali, who is using his Nottingham stint to get back to full fitness after surgery on his right Achilles, played his first match at the weekend, playing for 20 minutes as the Green and Whites beat Moseley 36-12.

He's scheduled to play three more matches before heading home to fight to regain a place in his national side.

In the meantime, when he's not training, he's taking a look around.

Yesterday he got a tour of the castle grounds from a contingent that included Tim and Sheriff of Nottingham Coun Penny Griggs. The sheriff warmed to the nearly-seven-foot Kiwi.

"Jump in the middle, gorgeous," he told her as they set up a picture with Tim.

"Ooooh," the sheriff replied.

Ali admitted that before arriving in Nottingham, his knowledge of the city wasn't overly expansive.

Although Robin Hood wasn't the only hero Ali associated with Nottingham before he came here.

"Richard Hadlee," he said. "He was probably a bigger legend than Robin Hood. At least for Kiwis."

On tour, he said, busy schedules and strict training regiments mean you don't really get much chance to see the place you're visiting.

But since arriving in the city, Tim's been able to learn about more than just New Zealand and Notts cricket legend Hadlee.

He's been working hard here, but staying in one place for longer means that he's able to also get out a bit and be a tourist.

And Nottingham's an easy place to do that.

"I think the attitude of the people is good – talkative and friendly," he said.

Mostly though, this Nottingham jaunt's about the rugby. And Ali's been impressed with his temporary home club.

"You get a sense that it's a club that's got ambition," he said. "This is providing me the steps I need."

Those steps are meant to lead back to his long-held role as lock for the legendary All Blacks as they prepare to host the Rugby World Cup in September.

Beyond that, when his rugby-playing days are over, who knows. He's always got the option of an arrow-wielding hero at Nottingham Castle who could use a sidekick.