Crusaders and All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams is in hospital with what has been described as a "serious infection" in his spine.
A statement from the Crusaders this morning said Williams, 25, had been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to the medical issue.
He had not played in the last three rounds due to a ban for an illegal cleanout during the Crusaders' victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton in round three.
An obvious question not addressed was how the condition – discitis, an infection in one of the discs in Williams' spine – would affect his All Blacks ambitions this year. New head coach Dave Rennie begins his campaign in July with Nations Championship Tests against France, Ireland and Italy.
Williams, who has played 23 Tests and is a powerful scrummager and ball carrier, will presumably be in doubt for that home series, plus the tour of South Africa in August and September where he would have played a key role against the world champions.
The Crusaders' statement said Williams would "remain under close medical supervision until his condition is stable enough for him to return home.
"While the focus is firmly on his health and recovery, the nature of the illness means Williams will be unavailable for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season," the statement said.
"His return to rugby beyond that remains unclear and will be guided by further medical advice."
Williams said in the statement: “I’ve had a sore back for a couple of weeks and had to come in for some scans and blood tests.
“They found an infection in my back called discitis, which means I’m going to be on antibiotics for a pretty long time. Unfortunately, my Crusade for 2026 is over.”
He added: “I’m feeling gutted, but I’m also grateful that the news isn’t as bad as what it could be.
“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% recovery, so I’m thankful for that.”
The defending champion Crusaders, who had a bye at the weekend, are currently sixth on the Super Rugby table.
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