Rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams has revealed he recently underwent open-heart surgery after doctors discovered a life-threatening heart condition he had carried unknowingly throughout his entire sporting career. In an emotional 24-minute YouTube video titled “My Heart Stopped,” the 41-year-old described the operation as the hardest thing he has ever done.
Who Is Sonny Bill Williams?
Sonny Bill Williams is one of the greatest cross-code athletes of all time. The New Zealander won NRL premierships with the Bulldogs and the Roosters, played 58 Tests for the All Blacks (winning two Rugby World Cups), represented New Zealand in rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and built a successful professional boxing career, most recently fighting Paul Gallen. A proud Muslim and father of five, he now lives in Sydney.
Sonny Bill Williams’ Open-Heart Surgery: What Happened
Williams underwent open-heart surgery at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital to replace his aortic valve and reconstruct a second valve. He admitted he feared he would not survive: “Day two, honestly, I thought I wasn’t going to make it.” His surgeon, Dr Michael O’Keefe, described it as “two open-heart surgeries in one” and told him the operation puts him “back on a normal life expectancy curve.” For full details of the operation, see Fox Sports’ report on Williams’ surgery.
How the Condition Was Discovered
The defect was found during a routine follow-up appointment after neck surgery. Williams said his heart had grown to 7.5 centimetres and, in the doctors’ words, was “about to pop.” He had lived with the condition his whole career: he boxed Paul Gallen just 15 months ago completely unaware he “could have dropped dead at any moment.” His doctor told him it was “a miracle that you found it because it’s a case where a perfectly fit-looking person could drop dead.”
What the Surgery Involved
Surgeons replaced the faulty aortic valve and reconstructed another valve in a single marathon operation. Williams also suffered hallucinations in recovery and shared his will requests with his religious leaders before going under. He gifted Dr O’Keefe an All Blacks jumper in gratitude, saying “Allah’s got better things in store for me.”
Sonny Bill Williams’ Recovery and Message
Williams says doctors told him he now has “a better heart than when I walked in here” because it is more efficient. He plans to raise awareness of bicuspid aortic valve conditions, warning that “very, very common” defects go undetected in people who look perfectly healthy. His wife Alana, who appeared in the video, called the experience daunting but said “he’s so strong.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What heart surgery did Sonny Bill Williams have?
Open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve and reconstruct a second valve, performed at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital in October 2026.
Did Sonny Bill Williams know about his heart condition?
No. It was discovered by chance during a follow-up from neck surgery. He had carried it through his entire NRL, All Blacks and boxing career.
How is Sonny Bill Williams now?
Recovering. Doctors say the surgery restored him to a normal life expectancy, and he plans to campaign for heart-condition awareness.
Final Words
From World Cup glory to a fight for his life, Sonny Bill Williams faces his toughest opponent yet: recovery. Read more sporting stories in our latest news section.
