All Blacks prop Williams out of Super Rugby season with back infection
New Zealand's scrum-half Aaron Smith (TOP) reacts alongside teammates as they gather after victory in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 20, 2023. (Photo by Antonin THUILLIER / AFP)
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All Blacks and Canterbury Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams
was Monday ruled out of the rest of the Super Rugby season after being
hospitalised with a serious back infection.
The 25-year-old is under medical care after being diagnosed
with discitis – an infection in one of the discs in his spine, his club said.
Williams will remain in hospital until he is stable enough
to return home.
He will play no further part in the Super Rugby season,
which runs until the final in mid-June, with his return beyond that guided by
medical advice.
The All Blacks kick off their season against France in
Christchurch on July 4.
"I'm feeling gutted, but I'm also grateful that the
news isn't as bad as what it could be," said Williams, who has been capped
26 times by New Zealand.
"Being in hospital you see a lot and it makes you
appreciate that this place is here to save us.
"I've been told I'm going to make a 100 percent recovery,
so I'm thankful for that."
The defending champion Crusaders are currently sixth on the
11-team Super Rugby ladder after round seven.
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