Grant Williams represents one of rugby’s most inspiring success stories, having forged an unlikely path from humble club rugby beginnings to becoming a Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks. This versatile back’s journey exemplifies determination, resilience, and the power of seizing opportunities when they arise.
Personal Profile and Early Life
Born on July 22, 1996, Grant Williams hails from Paarl in the Western Cape, South Africa. Standing at 1.74 meters tall (5 feet 9 inches) and weighing 80 kilograms, Williams possesses the ideal physical attributes for his primary position as scrum-half, though his versatility allows him to excel on the wing as well.
Williams received his education at the renowned Paarl Gimnasium in the Western Cape, where he began to establish himself as a promising player. Paarl Gimnasium has a proud tradition of producing top-level rugby talent, and Williams became Paarl Gim’s 30th Springbok at age 25, coming through the club systems to do so, an unheard-of feat in the modern era.
The Unconventional Path to Professional Rugby
Unlike many modern rugby stars who fast-track through elite youth programs, Williams’ journey took a more circuitous route. After completing his schooling, Williams continued his rugby journey by representing various Maties teams, demonstrating his abilities on the field. He also had the opportunity to showcase his skills as a member of the Western Province 7s side.
The turning point came when in 2017, Williams joined the Sharks Academy, where he had the privilege of representing both the Sharks U21 and U19 teams, as well as College Rovers. This move to Durban represented a significant leap of faith for the young player who admitted, “I don’t come from money” and had to navigate the challenging world of club rugby.
Professional Career Development
Arriving in Durban in 2017, Williams joined forces with College Rovers and just the following year found himself thrust into the Super Rugby cauldron, when he was required to replace the injured Louis Schreuder against the Lions. This unexpected debut marked the beginning of his professional career with the Sharks.
During his debut Super Rugby season in 2018, Williams showcased his electrifying pace and versatility, providing the Sharks with additional coverage in the wider areas of the field. He made his much-anticipated debut and continued to contribute to the team’s success in the subsequent season, securing five appearances.
Williams’ persistence and dedication began paying dividends as he established himself within the Sharks setup. He has since gone on to earn his 50th cap for the Durban-based side, demonstrating his consistency and value to the franchise.
Springbok Recognition and International Debut
In 2021, Williams truly shone for the Sharks, particularly in the competitive scrum-half position. His exceptional performances earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Springbok squad, as he proved his worth following an injury to Jaden Hendrikse.
In August 2021, after great performances with his club, Williams was called up to the Springbok squad to replace another Sharks scrumhalf, Jaden Hendrikse, who sustained a leg fracture. He made his international debut off the bench in a 12-13 loss for the Springboks against Wales in Bloemfontein on July 9, 2022.
Reflecting on his first Springbok call-up, Williams said: “My debut was special, of course, but my biggest accomplishment or my best moment was probably getting my call-up to the Springboks while playing in the Currie Cup in 2021. I didn’t play that year but just to be there in my first camp. I wouldn’t say it was bigger than my debut but that’s my personal moment, it was when I first thought I have made it.”
Road to Rugby World Cup Glory
Williams’ international career gained momentum gradually. After debuting against Wales in 2022, Williams had to wait almost a full year to the day to earn his second Test cap coming off the bench in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Loftus Versfeld.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup selection presented both challenges and opportunities. Williams honestly admitted: “To be brutally honest, I didn’t think I was going to the World Cup. I was already planning to pack my bags and head back to Durban” after suffering a concussion just 20 seconds into his first start against Argentina.
However, the Bok coaches surprised many with the 33-man squad for the World Cup with Williams included as one of four scrum-halves in the squad. At the time, few would have known that the coaches had planned for him and Cobus Reinach to also play on the wing.
World Cup Success and Versatility
Williams’ World Cup experience showcased his remarkable versatility. During the World Cup, Williams started the matches against Romania and Tonga on the wing, scoring twice against the former, after featuring at scrum-half against Scotland.
His start on the wing against Romania was his first appearance in a wider role in professional rugby, but he adapted well: “The Springboks’ defensive system is difficult for wings but what helped me was that I played wing at school and club, so I understand the dynamics of it and on the biggest stage, I think I did alright”.
Playing Style and Attributes
Williams is renowned for his exceptional pace and game management abilities. Williams underlined his status as one of the fastest men in South African rugby during the Sharks’ Champions Cup quarter-final clash in Toulouse, where he left fullback Thomas Ramos for dead, before stepping flyhalf Romain Ntamack and streaking away to score a try under the posts that would have made any winger proud.
His try-scoring ability has been consistently impressive. A week later, Williams dotted down twice in a URC match against Benetton in Durban to take his tally for the season to nine in 14 matches – the joint-sixth most after 17 rounds of the tournament and the most by a South African.
Current Status and Teams
Williams currently plays for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and in the Currie Cup, and the Sharks XV in the Rugby Challenge. He usually plays as a scrum-half but has proven his ability to excel on the wing when required.
His domestic success with the Sharks has been matched by his international achievements. Williams has become an established member of the Springbok squad, competing for selection with other talented scrum-halves in South African rugby’s deep talent pool.
Personal Life and Character
Williams is currently in a relationship with Tamryn Cupido, based in Durban, South Africa. He is active on Instagram, regularly posting updates on his sports career, with 10,000 followers as he shares his journey with fans.
Williams’ character shines through in his approach to adversity. Reflecting on challenging times, he explained: “It’s not easy, I remember having days in Stellenbosch where I thought, ‘I’m just going to work and try find a job’ but I persisted. People will look at it as ‘Ah, I’m just a club rugby player’, but if you want to make it then it is a good stepping stone”.
Achievements and Legacy
Williams’ career achievements include:
- Rugby World Cup winner (2023)
- Multiple Springbok caps across different positions
- Over 50 appearances for the Sharks
- Successful transition from club rugby to international level
- Recognition as one of South Africa’s fastest rugby players
Future Prospects
Williams is seen as one of the certainties for the back-to-back champion Boks’ title defence in Australia in 2027, indicating his continued importance to South African rugby’s future plans.
Williams represents hope for aspiring rugby players from modest backgrounds, proving that alternative pathways to success still exist in modern rugby. His unique journey from club rugby to World Cup winner serves as inspiration for players who may not follow traditional elite development routes but possess the determination and talent to succeed at the highest level.
At just 28 years old, Grant Williams has already achieved what many players can only dream of, yet his hunger for continued success suggests his best years may still lie ahead. His story continues to inspire and his versatility makes him an invaluable asset to both the Sharks and the Springboks as they pursue future glory.
