31/03/2026
💔 BIG BLOW FOR ALL BLACKS & CRUSADERS 🖤
All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season after being diagnosed with a serious spinal infection (discitis).
The 27-Test international had been battling back pain before scans revealed the condition — meaning a long recovery period lies ahead.
🗣️ “I’m gutted… but grateful it’s not worse. I’ve been told I’ll make a 100% recovery.”
A huge setback for the Crusaders and potentially for the All Blacks, with doubts now surrounding his availability for the July international window.
💪 Williams had cemented himself as New Zealand’s first-choice loosehead — making this loss even more significant.
Despite the setback, his mindset remains strong:
🗣️ “I’ve got full faith in the boys… I’ll be backing the team all the way.”
🙏 Wishing Tamaiti a full and speedy recovery.