The Hollywoodbets Sharks are bracing for a major double blow, with reports that two South Africa internationals will be departing at the end of the season. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and scrum-half Grant Williams look set to leave Durban at the end of the season, with Kolisi reportedly lined up for a shock move abroad.

According to South African news outlet Rapport, Williams, who signed an extension through to 2027 has reportedly opted to continue his career overseas and is expected to walk away two years early from Kings Park Stadium. The publication did not name which clubs are in the race for the rapid No.9, but interest from Europe and Japan is believed to be strong, given the repetoire of the Springboks halfback.

If confirmed, Williams could well follow Kolisi out of the URC club, with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers of the Japan Rugby Top League said to be approaching the Springbok captain for a shock transfer. Kobe are prepping for the future, having secured the services of All Blacks back row Ardie Savea for this current season before the former New Zealand captain will return to Moana Pasifika ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Season.

The timing could not be worse for the Sharks, as to make matters all the more complictaed the franchise is currently navigating major coaching uncertainty. Head coach John Plumtree has now stepped aside, with his last hit out at the helm coming this past weekend against Stade Toulousain in the opening weekend of the Champions Cup. Former Springboks winger JP Pietersen has taken over as interim head coach after Sunday’s Champions Cup defeat the the Top 14 titans.

Despite the upheaval, the Sharks are well-stocked at scrum-half should Williams leave promptly. Jaden Hendrikse and rising talent Bradley Davids are both on the books, while Ross Braude may be offered a permanent deal following his loan spell. But losing Williams, who has been one of Rassie Erasmus’ three front-line Test nines, would be a huge hit for the Sharks. The 29-year-old is of a solid international calibre, having featured in 11 of South Africa’s 14 Test matches in 2024, starting five.

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