Malcolm Marx close to becoming a Bull – reports

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is reportedly close to making a return to South African rugby after agreeing to a three-year deal with the Bulls.

The 32-year-old is expected to join the Pretoria-based franchise on 1 July 2027, when his contract with Japanese club Kubota Spears expires.

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Sources have indicated that negotiations are “90% complete”, although neither the Bulls nor Marx have officially confirmed the reported agreement.

Malcolm Marx confirmed last Friday that he would leave Japan at the end of the 2026/27 season, bringing his five-year stint with Kubota Spears to an end.

Ackermann reunion could be key

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner is reportedly keen to reunite with Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann.

Ackermann played an important role in Marx’s development during their time together at the Lions between 2014 and 2019.

The Bulls are understood to have intensified their efforts to secure the hooker’s signature after Junior Springbok Esethu Mnebelele opted to continue his career with the Sharks.

The Durban-based franchise had also reportedly been interested in Marx. The Sharks confirmed last week that Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi would be leaving the club and joining the Stormers.

Marx’s successful stint in Japan

Malcolm Marx joined Kubota Spears in 2021 and has made a significant contribution to the Japanese club.

He has scored 41 tries in 68 appearances, helping the Spears win the Japan Rugby League One title in the 2022/23 season.

Kubota also reached the competition’s final in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.

A move to Loftus Versfeld would bring one of South Africa’s most experienced international forwards back into the domestic game.

For now, the reported Bulls agreement remains unconfirmed, with Marx still contracted to Kubota until the end of the current Japanese season.

Marx has played 94 Tests for the Springboks, scoring a record 29 tries for a forward.