New Zealand Rugby
Williams requires third Achilles operation
Scrum.com
April 30, 2010
Blues lock Ali Williams hobbles off with an injury, Blues v Chiefs, Super 14 Pre-season match, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand, January 29, 2010
Ali Williams requires a third operation © Getty Images
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All Blacks lock Ali Williams will not play again this year after it was confirmed that he requires a third operation on a long-standing Achilles injury.

The Blues second-row has not played this season after re-injuring himself in a Super 14 warm-up game against the Chiefs in January. The 61-test lock had been coming back from another Achilles problem that sidelined him for the whole of All Blacks' test programme last year.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson confirmed that Williams had been suffering unexpected pain in recent weeks and a follow-up scan in Auckland revealed further damage to his tendon.

"The scan showed that, while the surgical procedure to connect the tendon to his joint remains intact, it has caused a partial tear further up his tendon," Robinson said. "It's obviously a frustrating and distressing time for Ali but throughout his setbacks over the last year he has remained optimistic about his situation and is keen to overcome his injuries and get back on the rugby field."

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry also lent his support to Williams following this latest setback. "Everyone involved in the All Blacks feels for Ali and we will continue to give him our full support as he goes through further surgery and rehabilitation," he said.

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