Springbok Scrumhalf Grant Williams Set for Japan Move After Nine Years with Sharks

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams will leave the Sharks in June to join a Japanese club. Details on his nine-year career and the move to Japan Rugby League One.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Grant Williams Concludes Professional Tenure in Durban

After nearly a decade of service, Springbok playmaker Grant Williams will leave the Sharks at the conclusion of the current United Rugby Championship season. The Durban-based franchise confirmed on Monday that the scrumhalf will not renew his contract when it expires in June, marking the end of a professional journey that began in the Sharks’ academy structures in 2017. Williams has developed into a critical asset for the coastal side, known for his extreme pace and ability to break defensive lines from the base of the ruck.

Speculation Mounts Over Yokohama Connection in Japan

While the specific Japanese destination for Williams has not been officially disclosed, industry indicators point toward a move to the Yokohama Eagles. This speculation is fueled by the impending departure of fellow Springbok No. 9 Faf de Klerk, who is set to return to South Africa to join the Cheetahs. If the move to Yokohama is finalized, Williams would join national teammate Jesse Kriel at the club, maintaining a strong South African presence in the Japanese top flight.

Joining an Elite Group of Overseas Based Springboks

The departure of Williams adds to a significant exodus of top-tier South African talent to Japan Rugby League One. He joins high-profile teammates such as Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortje, who have also secured lucrative deals in a competition characterized by shorter seasons and reduced physical toll. According to analysts, the move to Japan is becoming the primary destination for South African internationals seeking to balance commercial earnings with the longevity of their professional careers.