Wales
Macauley Cook opens up on Williams injury
ESPN Staff
August 13, 2014
Wales' Owen Williams makes a break, Wales v Tonga, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, November 22, 2013
Wales' Owen Williams is said to be making "positive progress" in his recovery from a serious spinal injury © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Macauley Cook | Owen Williams
Teams: Cardiff Blues | Wales

Cardiff Blues flanker Macauley Cook has opened up on the difficulties in dealing with team-mate Owen Williams' serious spinal injury.

Wales and Blues centre Williams suffered a "significant injury" to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord while playing in the Singapore 10s in June and has since been flown back to Cardiff, where he is being treated in Rookwood Hospital.

Cook, who visits his team-mate nearly every day, bought a house with Williams near the Blues' training ground last year. He admits that, when it comes to training, the situation has been hard to put to the back of his mind but says Williams' positive approach to recovery always leaves a smile on his face.

"It's difficult to switch it out of my head because I obviously live with him as well. It's hard, but I try not to bring that into my rugby and my mind-set when I am in training," Cook told Wales Online.

"I go and see him nearly every day in hospital and he sort of picks my spirits up because he is such a strong boy. He is still laughing and joking and he is doing superb.

"The boys have been brilliant. They are in the same situation as me. They are all feeling exactly the same, because a lot of them are really close to him.

"It might take a long time, but I am going to be there and a lot of the boys are going to be there throughout that. I'm just proud of the way he's dealt with it.

"He's checking up on me, mind you. He's sending his parents round every few weeks to check I am not wrecking the place."

Earlier in August, the Blues released a statement saying Williams is making "positive progress" in his recovery.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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