All Blacks great and former Black Rams Tokyo centre Ma’a Nonu has extended his illustrious career by joining South African URC side the Sharks. Two-time World Cup winner Nonu, 44, made 12 appearances for Black Rams Tokyo in the 2011-2012 Top League (precursor to Japan Rugby League One) season, scoring six tries. Durban-based Sharks are coached by former Saitama Wild Knights full-back JP Pietersen and captained by ex-Munakata Sanix Blues (disbanded in 2022) centre André Esterh

Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams has signed for League One champions Kobe Steelers. The Sharks’ speedster, 29, who can also play on the wing, will arrive this Autumn following South Africa’s Nations Championship campaign. The 2023 World Cup winner starts for his country in their season-opening game against ex-All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday. Williams, a two-time Rugby Championship winner and former European Challenge Cup winner,