Sonny Bill Williams has revealed he was rushed back to hospital after developing an infection following neck surgery earlier this month.
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The two-time Rugby World Cup winner shared an emotional update with fans from his hospital bed on Instagram, explaining that complications from the original operation meant he had to undergo emergency surgery for a second time.
Williams wrote: “Been a tough couple of weeks. But with hardship, comes ease. There’s always wisdom in every situation. Duas please.”
In a video accompanying the post, the 40-year-old explained the seriousness of the infection, revealing: “Woke up in the morning, fever, spewing, pus coming out of my wound.” Doctors quickly diagnosed the infection and told him he needed another operation to clean out the affected area.
The setback comes just weeks after Williams underwent what he described as the fourth major operation on his neck, having previously opened up about the long-term physical toll rugby has taken on his body. Before the initial surgery, he used his platform to warn young athletes about the realities of professional sport, urging them to prepare for life after rugby while insisting he had no regrets about his remarkable career.
Williams, who won Rugby World Cups with New Zealand in 2011 and 2015 and also enjoyed a successful career in rugby league and boxing, has since received an outpouring of support from fans wishing him a speedy recovery.
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Nigel Owens ranks the five best players he refereed
Legendary referee Nigel Owens has revealed the five greatest players he officiated during his career, naming them as part of his all-time XV for Wales Online.
From iconic captains to generational talents, these are the names that earned his highest praise.
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Bio: A towering second row and one of the most capped players in rugby history, Jones captained Wales for over a decade and led the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
Known for his durability, leadership and relentless work rate, he was central to multiple Six Nations titles and Grand Slams.
“A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything.”
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