Kubota Spears confirms Malcolm Marx’s return to South Africa in 2027

World Player of The Year Malcolm Marx will leave League One runners-up Kubota Spears when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-2027 season to return to South Africa, his club announced on Friday.

Marx, 32, has scored 41 tries in his 68 appearances for Frans Ludeke’s Funabashi-based club since joining them in 2021 from NTT Shining Arcs (now Urayasu D-Rocks).

In action against Honda in April - ©

The 2023 League One winner, a losing finalist in 2025 and 2026, is currently away on international duty with the Springboks ahead of the Nations Championship.

Kubota’s star hooker signed a two-year contract extension in 2025 and will see out the remaining year on his lucrative contract before returning to South Africa with Johan Ackermann’s Bulls – who just lured Kwagga Smith home from from Shizuoka Blue Revs – among his possible destinations.

“Having played a leading role in numerous matches and helped shape the history of the Spears, this will be the final season in which fans will be able to see Marx playing in Japan,” read a club statement. Marx commented: “I am truly grateful for the past six years as a member of the Kubota Spears. 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.

“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.”

Kubota’s General Manager Hironori Maekawa said: “As one of the world's best players, Malcolm has brought countless victories and memorable moments to this club.

“Beyond his outstanding performances on the field, his team-first attitude, consideration for his teammates and leadership in consistently setting high standards have left an invaluable legacy at the club.

“His achievement of winning the World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year award as a member of the Spears is also a tremendous source of pride for the club and the Orange Army.

Maekawa, himself a former Kubota player, explained to the reasons for Marx’s anticipated departure next summer.

“Regarding his contract, the club and Malcolm have held numerous discussions about his future. We respect Malcolm's desire to spend more time with his family moving forward, having competed at the highest level of world rugby for many years while shouldering significant responsibilities for both the club and the South African national team. As a result, we have mutually agreed to go our separate ways when his contract expires, with both parties moving on to their next chapter.”

Ludeke’s heavy-hitting title contenders will kick off their season at home to Hunter Paisami and Semi Radradra’s Shizuoka Blue Revs on Sunday 13 December.