Wales centre Owen Williams suffers 'significant injury' to his neck during inaugural World Club 10s

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that the 22-year-old has suffered a 'significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord'

Owen Williams (C) of Cardiff Blues escapes from Horacio Agulla (R) of Bath during the LV Cup match between Bath and Cardiff Blues at the Recreation Ground (Getty Images)

Wales centre Owen Williams suffered "significant injury" to his neck during a tournament in Singapore, Cardiff Blues have confirmed.

The 22-year-old was hurt while playing for the Blues in the inaugural World Club 10s tournament on Sunday.

"Cardiff Blues have today (Wednesday, June 25) confirmed that Owen Williams has suffered a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord," the statement read.

Williams was injured in a third and fourth place play-off game between the Blues and Asia Pacific Dragons, which took place at Singapore National Stadium.

The Blues issued an initial statement on Monday, in which they thanked fans for their support of Williams.

Williams' family are by his bedside and arrangements are being put in place for his transfer back to the UK.

The Blues' statement added: "He underwent an operation on Monday to stabilise a fracture and is currently recovering in hospital in Singapore.

"The family of Owen Williams are now at his bedside along with senior Blues management and medical staff.

"Arrangements are currently being made to co-ordinate his safe transfer home at an appropriate time.

"Cardiff Blues and the Williams family would like to thank the many hundreds of well-wishers who have offered messages of support.

"Cardiff Blues will be making no further comment, but will continue to share further updates when they are available.

"We would also ask that the privacy of Owen Williams and his family is respected at this time."

Williams has received messages of support on social media from international team-mates like Alex Cuthbert, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Lydiate, Ken Owens and Josh Turnbull, in addition to Australia back-row star David Pocock.

Gloucester Rugby Club, Leinster, the Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons have also expressed support on Twitter for Williams, in addition to Cardiff City Football Club under the hashtag £StayStrongForOws.

Williams has won four Wales caps, making his debut during last year's tour to Japan and then scoring a try in a 17-7 Millennium Stadium victory over Tonga seven months ago.

He has also represented Wales at under-20 level and on the international world sevens circuit, while he joined the Blues' senior set-up after progressing through the region's academy system.

His former club Aberdare, meanwhile, have postponed a presentation event that was planned for next Saturday to recognise ex-Aberdare players who achieved international honours.

PA