Sonny Bill Williams injured, ruled out of Olympic tournament

By Associated Press 10 August 2016, 12:00AM

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of the Olympic rugby sevens tournament after injuring his left ankle in New Zealand's shocking 14-12 opening loss to Japan.

The highest-profile player involved in rugby's return to the Olympics after 92 years, Williams didn't get up after being tackled just after half time Tuesday and was helped from the field. New Zealand Rugby later said Williams had a partial Achilles tendon rupture and would be replaced for the remaining five games in the tournament by Sione Molia.

Williams, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 15s, had limited impact in the opening men's match against an under-rated Japanese team. His sister, Niall Williams, was part of the New Zealand team which lost the women's gold-medal match on Monday night.

By Associated Press 10 August 2016, 12:00AM
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