Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is set to leave Japanese club Kubota Spears and return to South African rugby, with reports linking him to the Bulls. Multiple outlets say his move is being discussed as a return to Pretoria after previous talk following Kwagga Smith’s signing.
Different sources provide varying levels of detail on timing and the nature of the decision. IOL says Marx has confirmed he will depart Japan at the end of the 2026–27 season for family reasons, and it also raises the possibility of a Bulls reunion involving former Lions coach Johan Ackermann. Planet Rugby similarly reports Marx has confirmed his departure from Kubota Spears and frames it as a “difficult decision,” while still noting rumours connecting him to the Sharks and Bulls.
Other coverage focuses primarily on his proximity to signing a deal with the Bulls, including mention of a three-year agreement. Overall, the reports broadly agree on his exit from Japan and his return to South Africa, with emphasis differing between contract details and personal or decision-making context.
