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Cardiff Blues and Wales centre Owen Williams has suffered a 'significant spinal cord injury', the Welsh region have confirmed.

Williams sustained the injury while playing for the Cardiff Blues in Singapore during the inaugural World Club 10s on Sunday, and remains in a Singapore hospital.

The 22-year-old underwent surgery on Monday to stabilise a fracture and arrangements are currently being made for him to return safely to Wales.

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

"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.

"#StayStrongForOws."

Last night Williams' family sent an emotional 'thank you' to the hundreds of well-wishers who have offered support to the seriously injured player.

LIVE:Latest news on Williams' injury

Rugby fans and players from around the world have sent heartfelt messages to Williams and his family as he remains in a Singapore hospital following the incident during a match on Sunday. The twitter hashtag #staystrongforows has gathered huge momentum over the past 24 hours.

Williams' brother Gavin, who works within the game as a WRU participation officer, tweeted: "So emotional reading all the support...it's overwhelming. In the hospital next to my brother, he's a warrior.

"Thank you all for your concern and messages. He's a strong boy."

More:Rugby community rallies around Owen Williams

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The injury was sustained in the third/fourth place play-off against the Asia Pacific Dragons at the National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub.

The game was halted for some time as medics tended to Williams following a tackle.

Williams is regarded one of Welsh rugby’s most promising prospects having made his Test debut against Japan last summer and scoring a superb individual try against Tonga last Autumn.

A product of Aberdare RFC and St Johns School, Williams came through the Cardiff Blues Academy system. Spotted playing for Neath College, the young player was picked up by the international set up, collecting Wales caps at an U16 and U20 level as part of the Junior World Cup squad who toured Argentina.

Aberdare RFC have cancelled an event Williams was due to appear at on Saturday.

Bill Pritchard, chairman of Aberdare RFC, said “Owen has gone all through the ranks here. He started in the mini and junior section and played youth rugby here before being selected for the Blues Academy.

“The family association with Aberdare RFC is strong – his father Huw played for the first team for a number of years and is now on the committee, and his grandfather Robbie Williams is an ex-chairman of the club. His brother Gavin is involved in coaching the mini and juniors, and is stepping up to coach the youth next year.

“Everyone associated with Aberdare RFC wishes him the best.

“We were going to host an awards evening for former players to get life membership to the club on Saturday. Owen was going to receive one along with the likes of Dai Young. The event has now been cancelled.

“He was only at the club a few weeks ago to present the under-16s with their end-of-season awards. He’s always happy to put back into the club, as his family have always done.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury and we are all thinking of Owen right now.”

News of Williams plight has reached Australia with Wallabies flanker David Pocock saying: “Hey Owen, sending some love and well wishes from Canberra. We're all thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery."

Williams’ Welsh team-mates have also been expressing their messages of support on Twitter, with the hashtag #staystrongforows gathering great support among fans.

Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones wished Williams a speedy recovery, with Jamie Roberts adding: "Thoughts with you @Owilliams91 ...stay strong. Class act on and off the field."

Dan Lydiate, who suffered a serious neck injury as a teenager while playing for the Dragons, said: “@Owilliams91 thoughts are with you my friend #staystrong."

A Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson added: “The heartfelt sentiments of everyone at the Welsh Rugby Union are with Owen Williams and his family at this time.”

Williams joined the Blues age grade set up, playing for the Under-18s then spent a further two seasons working his way up the Academy ranks before he was signed to the Cardiff Blues senior side in 2010.

He spent the 2009/10 and 10/11 seasons playing for Wales Sevens, but his stint with the national sevens side was cut short by a shoulder injury.

Williams looked to impress further at a regional level after first stepping out for the Blues two seasons ago against Aironi.