Grant Williams has confirmed he will join Kobelco Kobe Steelers for the 2026-27 Japan Rugby League One campaign, formally revealing his destination after announcing his Sharks departure in April.
"I am deeply honoured and very excited to be joining the Kobelco Kobe Steelers starting in the 2026-27 season," the 29-year-old said via the club's official Instagram account. "This is going to be an exciting new chapter in my career, and I'm looking forward to every moment."
The Sharks have moved to cover his exit by signing Ivan van Zyl from the Bulls.
Williams joins a growing contingent of Springboks heading to Japan, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortjé also having signed deals with Japanese clubs for next season. Aphelele Fassi is separately reported to have been granted a sabbatical to join a Japanese club, with a return to South Africa expected in June next year.