Kwagga Smith’s injury return date confirmed

It was confirmed this weekend that Kwagga Smith has signed with the Bulls on a three-year contract. The versatile loose forward has spent eight years there with Yamaha Júbilo, now rebranded as the Shizuoka Blue Revs, and he has remained an integral part of the Springbok team throughout this time, earning more than 60 Tests.

Smith suffered a major knee injury in May 2026, tearing his ACL and meniscus while playing for the Blue Revs. It ruled him out for the rest of the 2026 season. Medical experts have since cleared him to return to play at the end of December.

“I’m very excited to be joining,” said Smith, who mentioned that he was tracking well with his recovery. “I’m already jogging. I miss the rugby but I’m feeling good.

“My wife is pregnant, due in January, so the timing of joining the Vodacom Bulls is perfect. Playing under Johan Ackermann (previously) was one of my best experiences. I’m looking forward to getting back by early next year.”

Kwagga Smith set to boost strong Bulls team

Smith is bound to become a popular figure at Loftus Versfeld where the Bulls have an array of talent in the back row.

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said: “Kwagga is a proven winner who has achieved just about everything the game has to offer, and he has never lost his hunger. His work rate, physicality and fearlessness are exactly what we want in Vodacom Bulls colours. He will drive standards inside our group, and our supporters will love the way he plays.”

Other injury news

Meanwhile, the Bulls will have to do without Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier for several weeks, after the 29-year-old underwent surgery on an ankle injury.

Papier, the reigning SA URC Player of the Year, was hurt after coming off the bench in the Bulls’ 56-20 Champions Cup win over Stade Français in Pretoria last Saturday.

His absence leaves Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the scrumhalf options in the match 23.