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Sharks clarify what's going on with Bok scrumhalf Grant Williams
Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams will be ‘rested’ for the next few weeks to help him recover from an ongoing neck injury.
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Sharks coach John Plumtree confirmed that there is ‘concern’ over the harm suffered by Williams, 28.
Having already featured in 10 matches, United Rugby Championship (eight) and Champions Cup (two) this season, the 17-times capped Bok was not named in the matchday squad for the Round 16 face-off with Ulster at Ravenhill in Belfast on Saturday.
He played 31 minutes off the bench in the 18-17 win over Edinburgh last week, but the neck injury flared up again.
Plumtree said they will have to ‘investigate more’ into the ailment, but ruled out surgery.
His neck problem will be cause for concern, after Bok and Stormers stalwart Steven Kitshoff was forced to retire due to a serious neck injury he sustained during a Currie Cup match in 2024.
The injury, which involved damage to the C1 and C2 vertebrae, required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Despite the surgery, Kitshoff’s neck rotation remained significantly reduced, and he was advised by a specialist neurosurgeon that the risk of further injury was too high to continue.
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Williams, who made his debut against Wales in Bloemfontein in July 2022, was one of the stars at the World Cup in France in 2023.
He is seen as one of the certainties for the back-to-back champion Boks’ title defence in Australia in 202
“He has a facet joint injury that has bothered him for weeks,” Plumtree told @rugby365com when asked for clarity on Williams’ injury.
“We rested him for weeks, and we had him doing neck strengthening exercises,” the Sharks coach added.
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“The injury has settled down,” Plumtree said, adding: “It is healing, but it is not right yet, and we have to give it a bit more time.
“He’ll be back for the play-offs.
“We will give him another three to four weeks to get that neck healed fully.”
Plumtree said at this stage it does not require surgery.
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