Williams out of Olympics, doubt for Rugby Championship

Williams, a two-time World Cup winner with the All Blacks, was looking to add Olympic gold to his impressive sporting CV that includes Super Rugby glory in rugby union and an NRL Premiership in league, while he is also a former New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion.

Williams was injured during New Zealand's shock opening 14-12 defeat to Japan in Pool C of the men's rugby sevens competition on Tuesday.

Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of the rest of New Zealand sevens' Rio Olympics campaign after sustaining a partial Achilles rupture, leaving his participation in the Rugby Championship in doubt.

Williams was injured during New Zealand's shock opening 14-12 defeat to Japan in Pool C of the men's rugby sevens competition on Tuesday.

And New Zealand's Olympic team confirmed via Twitter that Williams will play no further part in the tournament due to his injury.

Sione Molia has subsequently taken his place in the team.

Williams, a two-time World Cup winner with the All Blacks, was looking to add Olympic gold to his impressive sporting CV that includes Super Rugby glory in rugby union and an NRL Premiership in league, while he is also a former New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion.

Steve Hansen's side begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia in less than two weeks' time, giving head coach Steve Hansen a potential selection headache.