Wellington: All Blacks and Auckland Blues midfielder Sonny Bill Williams has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks after he broke his wrist in the 37-20 loss to the Stormers last week.

The twice World Cup winner posted a photograph on his Twitter page on Saturday with his left forearm and hand encased in a plaster cast. The Blues told local media Williams would be out for between six and eight weeks.

The team were not immediately available to confirm the reports.

The 32-year-old could return in time for the clash against the defending champion Canterbury Crusaders on May 19, two weeks before the All Blacks play their first match in their three-Test series against France in Auckland.