CONFIRMED: Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith joins the Bulls

The Bulls confirmed on Sunday morning that Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith has signed to join the union on a three-year deal

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner brings a serial winner’s pedigree and a fearless, abrasive edge to a franchise already rich in back row talent.

The Bulls are already very strong in the department, with current Springboks Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden on their roster, plus former Springbok Marcell Coetzee as their regular captain.

Then there’s Jeandré Rudolph, for whom much hype has been made to join the national setup, and internationally experienced Hanro Liebenberg, another stand-in captain.

Former Junior Springboks Mpilo Gumede and Nama Xaba are each yet to receive a URC game this season despite Gumede receiving an invitation to a Springbok alignment camp two years ago.

‘Wherever he goes, he makes a difference’

Smith, 33, has been in two World Cup-winning squads, in 2019 and 2023. He is a ferociously talented ball winner who plays at No 6 and No 8. His athleticism and refusal to take a backward step have made him one of the most revered players in the Springbok group.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said he was delighted to team up again with Smith, 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,” Ackermann said.

“Wherever he goes, he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field.”

Kwagga Smith to play for Bulls from next year

Smith made his name in sevens before he did so in the 15-man game. He won Commonwealth Games gold with the Blitzboks in Glasgow in 2014 and an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016. He then took that pace and aggression into the 15s game.

His first big break came at the Lions, where he was part of the side that won the 2015 Currie Cup. He moved to Japan in 2018 and has spent eight years there with Yamaha Júbilo, now rebranded as the Shizuoka Blue Revs.

He kept his place in the Springbok set-up throughout and has played more than 60 Tests. His honours include the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, the 2021 series win over the British & Irish Lions, and the Rugby Championship titles of 2019, 2024 and 2025.

On the road to recovery

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 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.”

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 Bulls colours.

“He will drive standards inside our group, and our supporters will love the way he plays.”