Boks ace Grant Williams: Kobe is going to be an exciting new chapter

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, will be joined in Hyogo Prefecture by vastly-experienced former All Blacks centre George Bridge.

The 31-year-old has inked a deal with Kobe after leaving Western Force and is a direct replacement for Anton Lienert-Brown who has returned to the Chiefs.

Kobe, who announced on Tuesday that long-time staff member and coaching legend Wayne Smith will be their Head of Coaching next season, have acted quickly to complete their roster for their title defence next season.  

© SA Rugby

Williams and Bridge will fill the Category C spots vacated by Ardie Savea and Lienert-Brown while they have retained the services of talismanic captain and MVP Brodie Retallick who scored 17 tries last season.

New signing Williams, who will form a new-look Springboks half-back partnership with Lions utility-back Quan Horn, said: “I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the Kobe Steelers from the 2026/27 season.  

“I’ve heard so many great things about both the club and the city, and I can’t wait to meet all of the Steel Mates and represent Kobe.

“This is going to be an exciting new chapter in my career, and I’m looking forward to every moment with the Steelers,” added Williams who visited the club in February to sign his contract.

© Crusaders - Ex-All Black and Crusader George Bridge will replace Anton Lienert-Brown at Kobe Steelers

Incoming midfielder Bridge said: “I am very happy and honoured to be joining the Kobe Steelers for the next two seasons. “Through my previous visits to Japan, I became deeply drawn to the culture and the people, and I had always hoped that one day I would return to play here again. I am sincerely looking forward to meeting my teammates, the staff, and all of the fans.”