- All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams disclosed that he recently underwent open-heart surgery in Australia
- The 41-year-old discovered the congenital heart defect during a routine check-up following a fall on his back
- Williams used the announcement to urge people to get their hearts checked, even when feeling completely healthy
All Blacks legend Sonny Bill Williams has gone public about a serious medical procedure, confirming that he underwent open heart surgery in Australia after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
Source: Getty Images
The 41-year-old former New Zealand centre shared the news in a YouTube video, revealing that the condition came to light during a routine check-up prompted by a fall on his back. The discovery led to surgery during which his heart was stopped for several hours.
Williams speaks openly about surgery
"My heart stopped for hours," Williams said in the video.
"I told you I always had a big heart."
Doctors informed Williams that the congenital defect he was diagnosed with is not uncommon and that many people carry the condition throughout their lives without ever becoming aware of it. He took the opportunity to encourage others to seek medical attention regardless of how healthy they feel.
"Even if you feel healthy, get your heart checked," he said.
A career of remarkable achievements
Williams is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and decorated athletes in rugby history. He was part of the New Zealand squad that claimed back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015, and won the 2012 Super Rugby championship with the Chiefs.
Beyond rugby union, he represented the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters in rugby league and also competed as a professional boxer.
The revelation has drawn attention to the importance of preventive cardiac screening, particularly among former professional athletes who may assume their training history has kept them in optimal health.
Hyron Andrews’ cause of death
Briefly News previously reported that French authorities confirmed the cause of death of Lions rugby player Hyron Andrews following an autopsy
The autopsy report pointed to a specific underlying condition that increased Andrews' risk of a fatal tear in his aorta
Source: Briefly News
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