World Cup winner Williams and ex-All Black Bridge sign for Japan champions Kobe Steelers

Newly-crowned Japan Rugby League One champions Kobelco Kobe Steelers have confirmed the signings of South Africa scrum-half Grant Williams and former All Black George Bridge as they begin building for the defence of their title in 2026/27.

The Steelers claimed the championship earlier this month with a 22-13 victory over Kubota Spears in the final, but will enter next season under new leadership after head coach Dave Rennie departed to take charge of New Zealand. Former All Blacks assistant Wayne Smith is set to take over at the Kobe-based club.

Williams, 29, brings 28 Springbok caps to Japan and was part of the South Africa squad that won the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Having spent his entire professional career with the Sharks, the scrum-half will experience Japanese rugby for the first time. He is set to start for the Springboks against the Barbarians this Saturday before making the switch.

“I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the Kobelco Kobe Steelers from the 2026/27 season,” Williams said. “I’ve heard so many great things about both the club and the city, and I can’t wait to meet all of the Steel Mates and represent Kobe. This is going to be an exciting new chapter in my career.”

Bridge, 31, joins on a two-year deal, bringing 19 All Blacks caps and a wealth of experience across three major competitions. The outside back was a prominent figure during a decorated spell with the Crusaders before moving to Montpellier in France’s Top 14, and most recently represented the Western Force in Super Rugby. He has not featured for New Zealand since 2021.

“Through my previous visits to Japan, I became deeply drawn to the culture and the people, and I had always hoped that one day I would return to play here again,” Bridge said. “I am sincerely looking forward to meeting my teammates, the staff, and all of the fans.”

The double signing signals Kobe’s ambition to remain competitive at the top of Japanese club rugby, with an experienced coaching change and two high-profile recruits from the southern hemisphere shaping what promises to be an eventful off-season at the Steelers.