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 foot 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.
It was initially thought to be an ankle injury but has now been diagnosed as a dislocated foot.
"We have no idea on his lay-off yet, he has seen two specialists, and they will probably get together and make a proper plan of action going forward," said Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl.
"Whether that is going to be surgery or not. It's a very uncommon injury that probably needs a bit of planning. It's not like just a broken arm or broken bone.
"There is no timeline to it. It's a significant injury. It won't be like a few weeks, probably I would say months."
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.
"If you look at the last 12 months, he has been a big part of the team and played a lot of minutes and games," said van Zyl.
"He has captained the side on a few occasions. He is a good leader as well; he thinks about the game and we will definitely miss him for the foreseeable future."
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.