Rugby: Injury cuts short Williams' season

Ali Williams has reinjured his Achilles tendon. Photo / Getty Images

Blues star Ali Williams made his long-awaited return to top-flight rugby this afternoon, only to be assisted off the Albany Stadium playing field less than four minutes after kick-off.

The champion lock missed much of the 2009 season after damaging the Achilles tendon in his right leg. Early indications suggest that an awkward fall suffered three minutes and 55 seconds into this evening's Super 14 preseason clash against the Chiefs has resulted in the tendon being snapped.

TV3 reports that Williams will undergo surgery on Monday or Tuesday, and it is understood that he will not play again in 2010.

Williams trained for six weeks with the Blues before tonight's match, amid concerns that he would not be ready for the start of the season.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE