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Welsh player suffers spine injury at World Club 10s

SINGAPORE — Welsh rugby club Cardiff Blues have confirmed that their player Owen Williams, who was injured during the third-fourth playoff against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the inaugural Rugby World Club 10s at the National Stadium on Sunday, has suffered significant injury to his spine.

SINGAPORE — Welsh rugby club Cardiff Blues have confirmed that their player Owen Williams, who was injured during the third-fourth playoff against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the inaugural Rugby World Club 10s at the National Stadium on Sunday, has suffered significant injury to his spine.

The 22-year-old centre fell on his head following a tackle during the first half of the 20-minute match and play was halted as medics tended to him before rushing him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

In a statement yesterday, the club said: “Cardiff Blues have today confirmed that Owen Williams has suffered a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord. He underwent an operation on Monday to stabilise a fracture and is currently recovering in hospital in Singapore.

“The family of Owen Williams are now at his bedside along with senior Blues management and medical staff. Arrangements are currently being made to co-ordinate his safe transfer home at an appropriate time. Cardiff Blues and the Williams family would like to thank the many hundreds of well-wishers who have offered messages of support.”

A sports medical specialist whom TODAY spoke to said spinal cord injuries sustained in the lower back can cause paralysis in the legs, with a higher-back injury affecting more nerves and possibly causing quadriplegia, which results in the partial or total loss of use of all the limbs and torso.

Said Dr Benedict Tan, chief of sports medicine, Changi General Hospital: “It can be permanent or temporary damage. At this time you won’t know and you have to wait several weeks to see if there is any permanent damage.”

One of Wales’ most promising young players, Williams made his Test debut against Japan last year before going on to win three more caps. He had just returned to competitive action with the Blues this year after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Cardiff Blues were in town to compete in the two-day World Club 10s — the first event to be held at the S$1.33 billion Sports Hub’s National Stadium. Event organiser Carinat Sports Marketing could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the rugby community has rallied around Williams, with players such as Welsh captain and Blues team-mate Sam Warburton and Australian flanker David Pocoack tweeting messages of support.

Here, the Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACSI) under-14 rugby team have made a “Get well soon” card for Williams.

The Blues trained with 30 ACSI student-athletes on June 18 and 19 ahead of the tournament and ACSI coach Rhys Jones, who counts the Blues as his home team, told TODAY that he will be delivering the card to Williams or his family.

“Our boys bonded very well with the Cardiff Blues players (during the sessions), especially Owen Williams,” said Jones. “All we can do is offer our support to Owen, his family and the Cardiff Blues at this time.”

Show your support for Owen Williams at #StayStrongForOws.

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