One of the All Blacks’ scrumming powerhouses has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after being hospitalised with a serious back infection.
This is a major blow for both the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
Tamaiti Williams has been diagnosed with discitis, an infection in one of the discs in his spine, and remains under medical care. He will stay in hospital until he is stable enough to return home, with his recovery timeline to be guided strictly by medical advice.
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It means Williams will play no further part in the current Super Rugby campaign, which runs through to mid-June. His availability for the international season – with New Zealand set to host France in July – will depend on his rehabilitation progress.
Despite the setback, Williams struck a resilient tone.
“I’m feeling gutted, but I’m also grateful that the news isn’t as bad as what it could be,” he said.
“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.”
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The powerful loosehead, who has already earned 26 Test caps, now faces a period on the sidelines as he focuses on a full recovery.
The loss of Williams at a crucial stage of the season, with the defending champions currently sitting sixth on the log after seven rounds – still firmly in the play-off hunt, but now without one of their frontline forwards.
– AFP
The post All Blacks heavy sidelined after shock hospitalisation appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
One of the All Blacks’ scrumming powerhouses has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after being hospitalised with a serious back infection.
The post All Blacks heavy sidelined after shock hospitalisation appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
