A product of Paulus Joubert Secondary School in the small town of Paarl, Marlyn Williams first represented the Boland Kavaliers at the U18 Academy Week of 2010, repeating the feat the following year in the U19 Currie Cup. Impressive at both the set piece and in open play, Williams joined the ambitious Border Bulldogs in 2012, a province that gave him the opportunity to play in the Premier Division of both the U19 and U21 Currie Cups. A senior professional debut beckoned, and Marlyn summarily joined the Valke on Johannesburg’s East Rand. The (then) 21-year-old second rower was blessed with an impressive ability to steal opposition ball and was soon taking on the duties of lineout calling.

After 50 caps for the Valke, Williams returned home to the Boland, and despite his relative youth, was awarded the captain’s proverbial armband. A fearless ball-carrier and solid defender, Williams had an outstanding ‘lead from the front’ 2019 season, culminating in him winning both the Kavaliers’ Forward of the Year, as well as Player of the Year awards. When the Griquas needed pedigreed reinforcements for their 2020 Super Rugby SA campaign, they enlisted Marlyn’s services, before his return to the Western Cape. Reliable, consistent and with many seasons ahead of him, Marlyn Williams provides tremendous value to any squad.