Springbok superstar returns to South Africa

In a statement shared by Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx on Friday, the World Rugby Player of the Year confirmed he will be leaving Japan club Kubota Spears when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.

The 32-year-old has been plying his trade in Japan since 2020, but he said his return to South Africa was due to “family circumstances”.

“I have made the difficult decision not to renew my contract beyond the 2026-27 season and to return to South Africa,” Marx said in a statement.

“My time with the Spears has been an invaluable experience for both me and my family, and one that we will always look back on fondly. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome you have always given us, for embracing us as members of the community, and for the tremendous support and kindness you have shown us throughout our time in Japan.

“My focus is now fully on the upcoming season, and I will continue to give everything I have for the team to ensure we bring this journey to the best possible conclusion.”

Springbok World Cup winner set to join the Bulls

It’s believed that Marx will be joining the Bulls next year.

“Malcolm has signed and he is officially a Bull at the end of the season. He will, as things currently stand, be in Pretoria in April, May or June next year,” a source revealed to Die Papier.

Big signings for Bulls

The news follows hot on the heels of the announcement that fellow Springbok Kwagga Smith will also be joining the Pretoria club.

It was confirmed this past weekend that Smith has signed with the Bulls on a three-year contract.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said he was delighted to team up again with the loose forward, having coached him previously at the Lions.

“As a youngster, he showed character and fight and integrity. He’s a team man who has grown into a stalwart, and it’s been a privilege to watch his career unfold and establish himself as one of the best backrows in world rugby. Wherever he goes he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field.”