Williams injured the same Achilles he had surgery on last year

New Zealand lock Ali Williams faces another six months out of the game after rupturing his Achilles tendon - just three minutes into his comeback.

The 28-year-old, who missed most of last season with a similar problem, was playing a pre-season game for the Auckland Blues when injury struck.

The forward was in the All Black squads for the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

"I knew what it was as soon as it happened. As you'd expect I'm absolutely gutted," admitted Williams.

The news come as a bitter blow for the highly-rated second row, who has been a part of the full New Zealand set-up since making his debut in 2002.

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He injured himself twice during last year's Super 14 and withdrew from the All Blacks while preparing for a Test last June, undergoing surgery in July.

Williams suffered his latest injury while changing direction when running during the trial game against the Chiefs in Auckland and was unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was assisted from the field.

Blues doctor Stephen Kara said: "This was Williams' first game back since undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon last year and this rupture occurred just below the area that was previously operated on.

"Ali will undergo surgery early next week. He will not play for the Blues again this season and will be unable to play rugby for at least six months."

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