Sonny Bill Williams out for six weeks after fracturing his wrist

The Blues have confirmed that Sonny Bill Williams has suffered a fractured wrist in their most recent defeat, 37-20 to the Stormers in Cape Town, and would miss between six and eight weeks of the competition.

The injury will also leave Williams short on lead-in time ahead of the All Blacks' June international series against France.

Depending on his recovery time, he could be back on the field either at the start of May, or in the middle, which could leave him just a few weeks' play before France arrive.