Springboks star Malcolm Marx leaving Japan and returning to South Africa

SPRINGBOKS HOOKER MALCOLM Marx has announced he will leave Japan and return to play in South Africa.

Marx, the 2025 World Player of the Year, joined NTT Shining Arcs in 2020, and moved to his current team, Kubota Spears, the following year.

However the 32-year-old has confirmed he will not be extending his stay, and will leave Japan ahead of the 2026/27 season, which starts in December.

Marx told the club’s website: “I am deeply grateful for the past six years as a member of 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.”

While his next move has yet to be confirmed, South African media have linked the two-time World Cup winner with the Bulls.