URC runners-up the Bulls have confirmed the signing of Kubota Spears hooker and World Player of The Year Malcolm Marx on a long-term deal from July 2027. Double World Cup winner Marx, whose anticipated exit at the end of his contract was announced by his Japanese club last week, will follow former Shizuoka Blue Revs captain Kwagga Smith in moving from League One to the Pretoria-based side. © JRLO The Springboks star will join the Bulls next summer and is the latest member of

Springboks star Kurt-Lee Arendse is aiming to power last season’s basement outfit Mitsubishi Dynaboars to a play-off spot next season after being unveiled for his second spell with the club. The 30-year-old World Cup winner enjoyed a strong campaign with Glenn Delaney’s Sagamihara-based side in the 2024-2025 season, scoring seven tries in 12 games and helping the club to a ninth-place finish. © RugbyJP.com Arendse, who attended Japan’s game against Fiji on Saturday with teamm

Shizuoka Blue Revs captain Kwagga Smith has left the club by mutual consent in order to pave the way for the two-time World Cup winner to return to South Africa. The 33-year-old, who is currently recovering from surgery on his left knee, asked the club for his release and the Yamaha-operated club today announced that they have terminated his contact. © JRLO Smith joined Shizuoka (then Yamaha Júbilo) in 2018 and, after 78 appearances, has established himself as as a club legen

Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed his interest in Kubota Spears hooker Malcolm Marx and Shizuoka Blue Revs captain Kwagga Smith. The former Urayasu D-Rocks boss revealed that both Springboks stars and former Lions teammates are on his wish list for the South African URC side who opened their season with a comprehensive 47-13 win away against Zebre on Saturday. Ackermann, who was replaced at Urayasu by Greig Laidlaw in 2024 despite leading the Chiba-based team to

Springboks lock Ruan Nortjé has joined countryman Malcolm Marx at League One runners-up Kubota Spears, the Japanese club announced on Tuesday. The 6ft 7in second row, 27, arrives from URC side the Bulls and will link up with his new team following the conclusion of the Nations Championship in November. Nortjé, who has won 18 caps in the green and gold after making his Test debut in 2022 against Wales, was named on Monday in Rassie Erasmus’ side to face England in the opening