All Blacks and Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams has suffered yet another injury blow after being ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against France.

The dual RWC winning centre aggravated an old injury this week and Blues medical staff said an X-ray on Thursday showed a loose piece of bone in his knee joint ruling him out for several weeks.

He will undergo keyhole surgery in Auckland.

Blues medical staff expect that Williams will be unable to train for around four weeks and he has withdrawn from the team for Saturday’s Super Rugby encounter with the Melbourne Rebels in Auckland.

Replacement Terrence Hepetema will now start in the midfield alongside Orbyn Leger.

Williams was due to assemble with the All Blacks squad next week to prepare for the first Test against les Bleus to be played at Eden Park on Saturday, June 9.

The injury opens up some interesting questions for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen in terms of the make-up of his midfield.

SBW would have been his first choice at inside centre, but with him out it opens the door for the in-form Ngani Laumape to have an extended run in the No 12 shirt, alongside Ryan Crotty, who also has injury concerns, or Anton Lienert-Brown in the No13 position.

All Blacks v France

Test Series (UAE Time)

09 Jun     First Test            Auckland            11:35

16 Jun      Second Test       Wellington          11.35

23 Jun     Third Test           Dunedin              11.35