Former All Blacks forward Adam Thomson unable to walk after mystery illness

Ex-All Black flanker Adam Thomson has been unable to walk after being struck down by a mystery illness in Japan.

Thomson, 35, has been in hospital in Tokyo for over a week with doctors struggling to identify the problem that has given Thomson "excruciating pain".

The 29-test All Black was rushed to the A&E department in the middle of the night.

Thomson's partner, Jessie Gurunathan, said there was still no official diagnosis, but Thomson's illness was suspected to be "a severe infection that's caused serious internal inflammation & excruciating pain".

Thomson mustered enough humour over the situation in a post on this on Instagram:

 

It was touch and go for awhile there and we almost had to amputate but to the credit of this crack Japanese medical team they were able to save the moustache. 😇 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But in all seriousness it's been a tough week full of unexpected challenges. It's going to be a long road to get back on my feet but I'm up for it. I'm overwhelmed by all the love and support from friends and family all over the planet, words can't express what it means, I didn't expect such a big response. I'm humbled and my thanks and love go back to you all! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here's a little Xmas cheer from my hospital bed in Tokyo, give all your loved ones an extra big hug this year, don't take anything for granted! Merry Christmas x 🎄🤶🙏❤️

A post shared by Adam Thomson (@adamjohnthomson) on Dec 25, 2017 at 3:40am PST