Bulls snap up World Rugby Player of the Year

The Bulls have recently welcomed Springbok tourist Luan Giliomee to Pretoria, while also signing World Cup winner Kwagga Smith on a three-year contract.

Now, in a major move, the Pretoria club has announced the acquisition of World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx, who will join the club on a long-term contract with effect from July 2027.

The signing is a major statement of intent from a team that, under coach Johan Ackermann, is building a formidable title-chasing squad.

Marx, 32, is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks (2019 and 2023) and one of the most decorated forwards in South African rugby. He has earned 94 Test caps and scored 29 Test tries, the most by any forward in Springbok history.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such a historic and respected club as the Bulls next season,” said Marx. “It is an exciting new chapter for me, and I look forward to reconnecting and working alongside former teammates and coaches. I am eager to contribute wherever I can, bring and play my part in helping the Bulls achieve their goals and ambitions. I look forward to the journey ahead and to being part of this special club.”

Bulls celebrate another big signing

For the past six years, Marx has played his franchise rugby in Japan, but he has previously played under Bulls coach Johan Ackermann when both formed part of a generational Lions team that reached three consecutive Super Rugby finals (2016, 2017 and 2018).

Ackermann said he was excited to reunite with his former protege.

“I’m humbled that a player of his quality sees our union as the place he wants to play his rugby. I first met him with his mom as a 16-year-old at KES. I just saw this broad-shouldered, big man, but obviously the proof was in the pudding.

“He’s one of the hardest workers I coached, someone with great integrity too. He excelled and has stayed humble, always putting his team first. I have so much respect for him, grateful that his rugby journey has come full circle with me. I am most proud of the man and the person and the husband and son he is for his family.”

Onwards and upwards

After reports of this signing began to do the rounds recently, Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Blue Bulls Company, said it was a special moment to confirm the news and officially bring a player of Marx’s quality to the Bulls.

“Malcolm is one of the best players in the world, and he has been a hero to many South Africans. He is a winner, a proud South African and a man whose standards will lift everyone around him. This shows our ambition clearly: we are building a squad capable of winning trophies, and Malcolm’s signing says it loud and clear.”