Springboks' sevens star Shaun Williams will join fourth tier Japanese outfit Akita Northern Bullets in 2025.
Scrum-half Williams, 26, will leave South Africa to link up with the Top East League team next year.
The Top East League is the joint highest level of rugby below League One’s three divisions alongside the Top West League and is split into three divisions (A, B and C) in order of ability.
The Top East League is administered by the Kanto Rugby Football Union while the Top West League is controlled by the Kansai Rugby Football Union.
There is no promotion/relegation from the aforementioned regional divisions to League One.
Williams’ new side, whose alumni includes Japan sevens international Josua Kerevi and former Tonga international Alaska Taufa, are currently locked in a relegation battle and face Top East B Group leaders Meiji Yasuda Holly's on Sunday in a relegation/promotion match as they battle to retain their place in the Top East League’s top-flight (A Group).
The utility-back helped guide the Blitzboks to the medal podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics as he scored the match-winning try against Australia to win bronze.
Williams has scored 166 points for his country in 19 tournament appearances.
“I am very excited about joining Akita Northern Bullets,” said Williams who won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
“I am looking forward to learning the culture and giving my best to contribute to the success of the team. Thank you for your continued support of Akita Northern Bullets.”
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