All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams will miss the remainder of Super Rugby Pacific after he was diagnosed with a spinal infection.
The Crusaders on Monday revealed Williams' campaign was done, the front-rower admitted to hospital with discitis, an infection in one of the discs in his spine.
"I've had a sore back for a couple of weeks and had to come in for some scans and blood tests," Williams said via a Crusaders statement.
"They found an infection in my back called discitis, which means I'm going to be on antibiotics for a pretty long time. Unfortunately, my Crusade for 2026 is over."
Despite his disappointment, Williams said his situation could have been worse.
"I'm feeling gutted, but I'm also grateful that the news isn't as bad as what it could be," he said. "Being in hospital, you see a lot, and it makes you appreciate that this place is here to save us. I've been told I'm going to make a 100% recovery, so I'm thankful for that."
Williams could yet miss some of the Test season under new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, with the Crusaders confirming that his future beyond the Super Rugby season remained unclear.
The loosehead prop has become one of the key pillars in the All Blacks' scrum in recent years, establishing himself as New Zealand's first-choice No. 1 when fit.
But he has also had his issues with injury, with the back issue emerging while he was suspended for dangerous play earlier this season.
"I thought not much of it. As a prop, you get a sore back every now and then," Williams explained on Monday.
But the problem deteriorated as he tried to continue training, treating the issue with pain-killers, before it became so bad that he went to the emergency department where it was deemed the infection was coming down.
However, the pain continued and having been directed to see a GP by the Crusaders doctor, he was then admitted to hospital where the discitis was diagnosed.
"I didn't want to go back," Williams said of the uncertainty. "Me being me, I was worried there could be something more than a sprained back... I was screaming. 10/10 pain."
The Crusaders are back in action on Friday against the Fijian Drua having enjoyed the bye in Round 7 of Super Rugby.
They sit in sixth place with a 3-3 record.