The Sharks are set to lose the services of Springboks scrum-half Grant Williams at the end of the season, according to reports.

The 29-year-old World Cup winner has played all of his professional rugby at the Durban-based outfit but is set to leave South African shores in June.

Williams signed a contract extension with the Sharks through to 2027 but looks set to leave before the deal concludes, according to Afrikaans publication Rapport.

Williams and Kolisi to leave?

The report states that the Springboks scrum-half has decided to continue his career abroad, but does not disclose which clubs are in the running for Williams’ services.

He could follow Siya Kolisi out the Kings Park door with the Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers approaching the Springboks captain about a possible switch. Ardie Savea has returned to the Steelers for the 2025/26 Japan Rugby League One season but will return to Moana Pasifika ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, leaving a void in the club’s back row that they hope Kolisi will fill.

Williams’ rumoured pending departure comes at a turbulent time for the Sharks, who confirmed earlier this week that John Plumtree will be relinquishing the head coaching reins to former Springboks winger JP Pietersen after the Investec Champions Cup match against Toulouse on Sunday.

Siya Kolisi ‘approached’ to replace Ardie Savea

However, the Durbanites are well-stocked in the number nine position as things stand with Bok Jaden Hendrikse on the club’s payroll, as well as rising star Bradley Davids.

Ross Braude is currently only on loan from the Pumas, and Williams’ departure could pave the way for a permanent move to Durban for the 25-year-old.

Still, the departure of the 29-Test cap number nine would still be a major blow for the Sharks, considering that Williams has become one of three first-choice scrum-halves for the Springboks. He played in 11 of South Africa’s 14 Test matches this year, starting on five occasions, providing cover for Cobus Reinach and Morne van den Berg in the other six.

The uncertainty around the Sharks’ coaching structures beyond this season will surely be playing into Williams’ call to weigh up his options as the club continues its search for the next permanent head coach.

Pietersen has been entrusted with the head coaching duties until the end of the season, and while Plumtree has stepped down, he is still set to be involved in the structures in the meantime.

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