Sonny Bill Williams feared he would die after emergency heart surgery

Sonny Bill Williams has revealed he's had emergency open-heart surgery.

By Ben Francis · NZ Herald

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 4:55 PM

Key Things to Know

Sonny Bill Williams revealed he feared he would die after undergoing emergency open-heart surgery.
The 41-year-old's congenital heart condition was discovered during a routine follow-up appointment after neck surgery.
Williams underwent a Ross procedure performed by surgeon Dr. Michael O’Keefe at Melbourne's Austin Hospital.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former All Blacks and NRL star Sonny Bill Williams has revealed he feared he would die following emergency open-heart surgery. In a 24-minute YouTube video titled "My Heart Stopped," the 41-year-old detailed his treatment for a congenital heart condition that was discovered during a routine follow-up appointment after neck surgery.

Williams underwent a complex Ross procedure performed by surgeon Dr. Michael O’Keefe at Melbourne's Austin Hospital. Doctors warned Williams his enlarged heart was near failure, though his successful operation is expected to restore him to a normal life expectancy.

Read the full article on NZ Herald

Sonny Bill Williams feared he would die after emergency heart surgery

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