Injured Springbok Grant Williams should be back in time for URC play-offs

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams has not been included in the Sharks matchday 23 to face Ulster on Saturday, and will likely miss their final two United Rugby Championship league games after that.

However, head coach John Plumtree has tipped the 2023 Rugby World Cup winner to return in time for the URC play-offs starting on 30 May.

‘The injury is settling down’

Twenty-eight-year-old Williams has been in and out of the Sharks squad for a few months due to a minor neck injury. While it isn’t serious enough to warrant surgery, Plumtree said they need to “investigate it more”.

“He’s had a facet joint in his neck that’s been bothering him for weeks. He’s had rest and we’ve looked at neck strengthening for him. The injury is settling down, it’s healing. But it is just not right yet,” Plumtree said.

“We’re going to have to give it more time. He’ll be back for the play-offs but we’ll see how we go. We’ll hopefully give him another two or three weeks to get that neck fully healed.”

As Williams exits, Etzebeth enters the fray

Williams’ absence coincides with the long-expected return of another Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok.

World Rugby and SA Rugby Player of the year nominee, Eben Etzebeth returned from a four-month lay-off following a concussion, to jump directly into the starting XV against Edinburgh last weekend. And in fact, he captained the side.

While immediately imposing in the line-outs and with his physical presence, Etzebeth did start a scuffle that saw him receive a yellow card. Edinburgh scored a try one minute afterwards.