Cardiff and Wales lock Williams set for long lay-off
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams has won eight Wales caps
- Published
Cardiff are braced for a lengthy lay-off for influential lock Teddy Williams after the Wales international suffered a serious ankle injury.
The 24-year-old landed awkwardly on his right leg after claiming a line-out in the 32nd minute of the 14-8 win against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC) at the Arms Park.
Williams was given gas and received lengthy treatment before being stretchered away by the medical staff and taken to hospital.
"I am not 100% sure yet what the diagnosis is but he is off to hospital, so that says a lot," said coach Corniel van Zyl.
"Teddy has been part of the team and starting most games for the last 12 months and kicked on to play for Wales in Japan, so that speaks for itself.
"No injury is nice but I am sure he will make the best of it and get back better."
Teddy Williams was Cardiff's player of the season in 2024-25
The loss of Williams, who was the club's player of the season in 2024-25, is a huge blow for Cardiff after their encouraging start to this campaign.
Josh McNally, George Nott, Ben Donnell and Rory Thornton are second-row options along with academy prospect Tom Cottle.
The Blue and Blacks finish the first block of the URC with a trip to Dragons and home fixture against Edinburgh before a break for the autumn internationals.
Williams won his eighth cap in July's win against Japan and would have been a leading contender to be in Steve Tandy's first squad for the autumn Tests against Argentina, the Brave Blossoms, New Zealand and South Africa.
Wales used Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands, Freddie Thomas, Ben Carter, James Ratti and Williams in the second row last season.