Sonny Bill Williams, the former NRL and All Blacks rugby star, has revealed he recently underwent emergency open-heart surgery to address a congenital heart condition that had gone undetected throughout his athletic career. Williams, 41, spoke candidly about his experience in a video posted to social media on Friday, describing the procedure as a life-changing ordeal and sharing moments of fear and uncertainty when he believed he might not survive.

The surgery took place at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, where Williams underwent a complex operation to repair a bicuspid aortic valve—an abnormality in which the valve has two leaflets instead of the typical three. His surgeon, Michael O’Keefe, explained that the condition can worsen over time, potentially causing blood to leak backward through the valve or leading to narrowing that restricts blood flow.

The procedure involved two major components: Williams’ pulmonary valve was used to replace the damaged aortic valve, and a donated human valve was then transplanted in place of the pulmonary valve. Dr. O’Keefe noted that this type of surgery is among the few cardiac operations that restore patients to a normal life expectancy.

Williams recounted his recovery phase as particularly difficult, including hallucinations, severe discomfort, and exhaustion during the days immediately following the surgery. He described a prolonged period of pain and delirium during which he sought spiritual solace. “For five hours, from midnight all the way till 5am, I was saying, ‘Allah, if you’re going to take me, take me, but please forgive me,’” he said.

The former athlete said he had underestimated the seriousness of his heart condition, which likely contributed to struggles with fitness in his late twenties despite intense training. Dr. O’Keefe highlighted that Williams’ ability to perform at an elite level despite the valve issue underscored his extraordinary physical condition.

Williams expressed gratitude toward the medical team at Austin Hospital, praising their dedication during his recovery. He also revealed a desire to raise awareness of bicuspid aortic valve disease, pointing out that the condition affects about two percent of the population and can remain undetected even in individuals who appear healthy and fit.

His wife Alana Williams described the emotional moment when she saw his surgical scar, referring to it as his “new battlescar.” Williams said the experience had left him humbled and determined to alert others to the risks associated with undiagnosed heart valve conditions.