He said he was initially given pain relief at the start of his three-week suspension this month as it was thought he had sprained the rear part of his body.
While initially he didn’t think much of it, because “as a prop you get a sore back every now and then”, concern about the suspected sprain increased as the pain didn’t improve.
“I couldn’t sit down anywhere, I had to try walk around. I was trying to do everything I could to have my back warmer, take the pain medication, try have naps.”
After a series of medical appointments, an MRI scan finally identified the source as an infection, as Williams was left bedridden.
Though he believes he’s now turned a corner, he will need to remain on antibiotics for six weeks when he is discharged from the hospital.
It’s a tough blow for the prop who felt this season held real promise, personally and for the team.
“So yeah, the emotions at the moment, pretty gutted,” he said.
“I feel like I worked really hard over the off season.”
“Obviously health comes first and there will be ups and downs on the way, but yeah it’s just a hurdle along the way, so, we’ll keep pushing.”
The 25-year-old was grateful to his close circle and his medical team for their ongoing support.
“You get to sit here in the bed all day and I guess reflect and think and all the nurses, doctors, cleaners, everyone around the hospital who’s been pretty unreal,” he said.
“These people don’t really get acknowledged much but it’s not until you’re put in this situation when you really - you really appreciate the things people do.”
Williams went on to show his appreciation for his whānau, particularly his sister and his wife Alice, who he described as “his rock”.
“She’s been holding it down for everyone staying strong,” he said.
In an interview from hospital, Williams also had a message for his teammates and the wider Crusaders whānau.
“Even though my season’s done, I’ve got full faith in the boys that they’re going to get the job done. It’s an exciting year for us with the new stadium and a lot of big moments coming up. I’ll be backing the team all the way.”
He plans to keep vlogging throughout his recovery journey as he takes it “day by day”.
The Crusaders shared a clip to Instagram announcing the player’s departure from the season, writing that it was “not the way we wanted it”.
The Christchurch team said they will continue to support Williams and thanked fans for their messages.
