Owen Williams has "significant spinal cord injury"

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Cardiff Blues and Wales centre Owen Williams has sustained a significant spinal cord injury and has undergone surgery to stabilise a fracture. He remains in hospital in Singapore although arrangements are being made for him to be flown back to Wales.

A statement by Cardiff Blues said he had “suffered a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord”. They added that his family are at the hospital with him “along with senior Blues management and medical staff …

“[We] will be making no further comment, but will continue to share further updates when they are available. We would also ask that the privacy of Owen Williams and his family is respected at this time.”

Williams, 22, sustained the injury during a match at the inaugural World Club 10s tournament on Sunday. He was taken to hospital but only now have the extent of his injuries become public.

Players and supporters from all over the world have sent messages of support to to Williams and his family. The twitter hashtag #staystrongforows has attracted a huge following over the past 24 hours.

Williams made his Wales debut during last summer’s tour to Japan, winning the most recent of his four caps against Australia last November.

@Owilliams91 thinking of you and all your family. Best wishes for a quick recovery my friend

— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) June 24, 2014

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Owen Williams has "significant spinal cord injury"