Latest news with #Paarl-born
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams ready to make an impact after neck injury
Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams is back on the field after a neck injury that kept him on the sidelines for a couple of months. Image: BackpagePix Earlier this year, Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams cracked a vertebra in his neck and played about four or five games with it until he had to stop playing with the injury for his own safety. Then, a couple of frustrating months followed on the sidelines as the nippy scrumhalf had to bide his time and stay away from rugby for a bit to ensure that he recovered sufficiently. Surgery was not necessary because the injury was not deemed to be serious, his coach at the Sharks, John Plumtree, confirmed a couple of months ago. Now that Williams has fully recovered, he is ready to spark the attack of the teams he is playing for as he looks to put the injury-plagued start of the year behind him. Williams, a World Cup winner, paired with flyhalf Manie Libbok on Saturday as the Springboks faced Italy in the second Test in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. It was the first bit of rugby in about two and a half months for the scrumhalf. 'It was very frustrating, sitting with the injury and not being able to play,' Williams said. 'However, to be selected again for the Springboks is a massive honour and things will hopefully go better from here on in. That competition, not just at a national level, but all over South Africa, is what motivates me to work hard and to come back stronger. 'We have so many good nines in the country, at every franchise, whether it's at the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks or Lions. It's healthy competition and that brings the best out of every player.' Williams just wants to get going on the field again. Depending on Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus' selection for the final mid-year Test against Georgia this coming Saturday, Williams could get some more game time as he gets back on the rugby horse. The Sharks player will look to grab any opportunity that comes his way to systematically get back to the level he knows he can play at. With so many top scrumhalves at the Boks, the Paarl-born speedster knows that he must put his best foot forward. On Saturday he got another opportunity to play next to the instinctive Libbok as the duo look to build their connection, having last played together on the Year-end tour against England at Twickenham. 'After a couple of months of not playing, I must give myself the chance to put my best foot forward to ensure I can prove myself.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sale agree deal to sign Exeter forward Vermeulen
Sale Sharks have agreed a two-year deal to sign Exeter Chiefs lock Jacques Vermeulen from next season. Vermeulen, 30, who can also play in the back row, moves to Sale after six years at Sandy Park, making over 100 appearances and winning the Premiership and European Challenge Cup double in 2020. The 6 ft 6, Paarl-born forward began his career with Western Province before joining Durban-based Sharks in 2017. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks," Vermeulen said. "I've heard nothing but great things about the club's structure and incredible fan base, and I can't wait to be a part of it. "I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things. "I'm excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can't wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play." In November last year, Vermeulen spoke of his frustration at not being able to switch allegiance to England because of a 2015 Junior World Cup appearance for South Africa, despite qualifying through the five-year residency rule. He played seven matches for the Springboks' under-20 side but has never made a senior appearance.
