The All Blacks sevens team have been shocked by Japan in the opening fixture of the Rio Olympics, going down 14-12 and losing Sonny Bill Williams to a leg injury (Photo / NZ Herald)

Tew: SBW will be out of action for six to nine months

Author: Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2016, 8:16AM

UPDATED 9.08AM New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew has offered a bleak prognosis for Sonny Bill Williams who has suffered a season ending injury in a shock loss to Japan at the Olympic Sevens tournament.

The All Blacks Sevens side has lost 14-12 to Japan, but won 28-5 against Kenya in their second-to-last pool match.

Tew told Mike Hosking the signs aren't good for Williams who has suffered a partial achilles tendon tear and will be out for six to nine months.

Joe Webber is also out of the tournament after suffering a shoulder injury.

Sione Molia now comes into the squad, but New Zealand is down to 11 players as teams are only allowed one replacement.

LISTEN ABOVE: New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew speaks with Mike Hosking