Wales centre Owen Williams in hospital after serious neck injury

The Wales centre Owen Williams suffered “significant injury” to his neck during a tournament in Singapore, Cardiff Blues have said. The 22-year-old was hurt while playing in the inaugural World Club 10s tournament on Sunday.

Cardiff confirmed that Williams has suffered “a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord”. He underwent an operation on Monday to stabilise a fracture. Williams’ family are now with him in a Singapore hospital, along with senior Cardiff management and medical staff. The club are making arrangements to co-ordinate Williams’s transfer home “at an appropriate time”.

The club added: “Cardiff Blues and the Williams family would like to thank the many hundreds of well-wishers who have offered messages of support. Cardiff Blues 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 has won four Wales caps, making his debut during last year’s tour to Japan. He scored a try in a 17-7 win over Tonga seven months ago at the Millennium Stadium.

Sam Warburton, the Wales flanker, described the mood at the club as “devastated”. He said: “The training ground was not a very nice place to be on Monday when we found out.” It was horrible because Owen is someone who I have been training with every day for the last four years.

“Physically, he was a specimen and an amazing athlete. We have our fingers crossed, and all the boys have sent personal messages already to his family out in Singapore. Hopefully, he knows all of our thoughts are with him.”

Of the incident, in the third- and fourth-place play-off game against Asia Pacific Dragons, Warburton said: “It’s scary because it is not like it was a malicious tip-tackle or anything like that.

“It was a freak accident, and as a player it does make you wonder about prioritising the important things in life.

“It does worry you when it comes to playing rugby, but I am sure everyone is going through similar emotions.”

Williams has received messages of support on social media from international team-mates such as Warburton, Alex Cuthbert, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Lydiate, Ken Owens and Josh Turnbull, in addition to Australia back-row star David Pocock.

Gloucester Rugby Club, Bath, Leinster, Munster the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons have also expressed support on Twitter for Williams, in addition to Cardiff City Football Club under the hashtag £StayStrongForOws.

Article source: http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Old-Richians-rugby-star-playing-Aussie-Rules/story-21000524-detail/story.html

Wales centre Owen Williams in hospital after serious neck injury