Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams will play under a former All Blacks coach at the Kobe Kobelco Steelers.
Wayne Smith has been appointed head coach of Kobe following Dave Rennie’s departure to take charge of New Zealand.
Widely regarded as one of rugby’s greatest coaches, the 69-year-old helped guide the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cup titles as an assistant to Graham Henry and Steve Hansen before leading the Black Ferns to the 2022 Women’s World Cup crown.
Smith is no stranger to the Steelers, having previously spent three seasons with the club as director of coaching.
“I had three wonderful seasons with Kobelco Steelers from 2018 to 2020. Dave Dillon was head coach while I filled the director of coaching role,” Smith said.
“I’ve always tried to stay true to this style of play and I am hugely excited to be working with Kobe again.
“It is a great honour to join the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, a club with a proud history and rich tradition.
“I am committed to contributing to the continued success of the team.”
Kobe won the 2025-26 Japan Rugby League One title under Rennie.
ALSO: Sharks confirm Bok star’s overseas move
Williams is relishing the move to Japan.
“I’ve heard so many great things about both the club and the city of Kobe, and I can’t wait to meet all of the Steelers teammates and represent Kobe,” said the former Sharks scrumhalf. “This is going to be an exciting new challenge for me.”
【Welcome
】#グラント・ウィリアムズ選手、#ジョージ・ブリッジ選手 の2026-27シーズンの新加入が決定しましたのでお知らせいたします
（コメント等の詳細はこちら）https://t.co/GFC2Fhm1tx pic.twitter.com/ot9O3WfBgA
— コベルコ神戸スティーラーズ
(@kobe_steelers) June 17, 2026
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
The post Bok scrumhalf gets All Blacks guru appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams will play under a former All Blacks coach at the Kobe Kobelco Steelers.
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