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Rugby star Owen Williams has been flown home to Wales after suffering a serious spinal cord injury.
Williams was safely transferred by air ambulance from Singapore over the weekend and is currently being assessed and monitored by specialists at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
A Cardiff Blues statement today said: “Cardiff Blues and the Williams family would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the staff and specialists at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore for their care and support for Owen following his injury.
“Owen and his family would also like to thank well-wishers for the overwhelming messages of support they continue to receive on a daily basis from around the rugby world.
“Cardiff Blues will continue to share any appropriate updates when available and again requests that the privacy of Owen Williams and his family is respected at this time.”
Doctors last week confirmed Williams has suffered a ‘significant spinal cord injury’ following the incident at a World Club 10s match in Singapore.
Williams sustained the injury while playing for the Cardiff Blues in Singapore during the inaugural World Club 10s on Sunday, and he underwent surgery last Monday to stabilise a fracture.
The 22-year-old’s family have been at his bedside throughout the past week after flying to Singapore in the immediate aftermath of the horrific injury.
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Last week Williams’ family sent an emotional ‘thank you’ to the hundreds of well-wishers who have offered support to the seriously injured player.
Rugby fans and players from around the world have sent heartfelt messages to Williams and his family as he remains in a Singapore hospital following the incident during a match on Sunday. The twitter hashtag #staystrongforows has gathered huge momentum over the past 24 hours.
Williams’ brother Gavin, who works within the game as a WRU participation officer, tweeted: “So emotional reading all the support…it’s overwhelming. In the hospital next to my brother, he’s a warrior.
“Thank you all for your concern and messages. He’s a strong boy.”
More: Rugby community rallies around Owen Williams
More: Owen Williams suffers serious injury          Â
The injury was sustained in the third/fourth place play-off against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.
The game was halted for some time as medics tended to Williams following a tackle.
Williams is regarded as one of Welsh rugby’s most promising prospects having made his Test debut against Japan last summer and scoring a superb individual try against Tonga last Autumn.
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A product of Aberdare RFC and St Johns School, Williams came through the Cardiff Blues Academy system. Spotted playing for Neath College, the young player was picked up by the international set up, collecting Wales caps at an U16 and U20 level as part of the Junior World Cup squad who toured Argentina.
Williams joined the Blues age grade set up, playing for the Under-18s then spent a further two seasons working his way up the Academy ranks before he was signed to the Cardiff Blues senior side in 2010.
He spent the 2009/10 and 10/11 seasons playing for Wales Sevens, but his stint with the national sevens side was cut short by a shoulder injury.
Williams looked to impress further at a regional level after first stepping out for the Blues two seasons ago against Aironi.
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Owen Williams spinal injury: Cardiff Blues centre flown home to Wales
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