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Malcolm Marx to leave Kubota Spears for South Africa after 2026-27 season

The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year gave family reasons for not renewing his deal, and he is reported to have signed for the Bulls.

By RuckBee Newsroom1 min read
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Malcolm Marx is heading home. On Friday 30 October, he confirmed that his time with Japanese club Kubota Spears will finish once his current deal expires at the close of the 2026-27 campaign.

Marx said family reasons were behind his decision to let the deal run out and move back to South Africa. "I have made the difficult decision not to renew my contract beyond the 2026-27 season and to return to South Africa," he said.

The South African reported that Kwagga Smith has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls.

Marx's move home will close a long spell in Japan. He first played there for the Shining Arcs before joining Kubota in 2021, and he helped the Spears win the League One title in the 2022-23 season.

There is still a full campaign to come before he leaves, and Marx said his focus is entirely on the coming season with Kubota. He also left the door open to a return one day: "I sincerely hope this is not a goodbye forever, but rather a see you again."

More on RuckBee: Bulls · Pro rugby news · Rugby fixtures

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