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Malcolm Marx has confirmed that he will be back South Africa at the end of the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season after deciding not to renew his contract with Kubota Spears after June 2027
The 93-capped Springbok has spent the past six years in Japan and will see out the remainder of the League One campaign before returning home for family reasons.
His decision is likely to generate a lot of interest in South Africa United Rugby Championship side, with Bulls already sounded the 32-year-old about a potential move earlier this year.
The Sharks could now also emerge as a possible destination following the departure of fellow Springbok Bongi Mbonambi, who left Durban this week to join the Stormers.
Mbonambi’s departure creates an apparent vacancy in the Sharks’ front row, although there has been no confirmation at this stage that talks have taken place with Marx.
The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year has been based in Japan since 2020, initially with NTT Communications Shining Arcs before joining Kubota, where he became one of the competition’s leading whores.
The two-time World Cup winner has made 58 Ligue 1 appearances for the Spears and will spend one final campaign in pursuit of another title before bringing his long stint abroad to an end.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kubota Corporation and the entire Kubota Spears family for the six years I spent with the club,” Marx said in a message on the club’s website. “Unfortunately, due to family reasons, I have made the difficult decision not to renew my contract beyond the 2026/27 season and am returning to South Africa.
“My time with the Spears was an unforgettable experience for both me and my family, one that we will always cherish and look back on with fond memories. Thank you for always making us feel at home, for welcoming us into your community, and for the care and support you showed us during our time in Japan.
“Throughout my time at Kubota, I’ve always strived to do my best, both on and off the field, and to represent the company and the Spears with pride. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, friendships and experiences I’ve made along the way.
“Although this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to the Spears remains as strong as ever. I am fully focused on the upcoming season and will continue to give everything I have to the team, with the goal of ending this journey on a high note.
“I sincerely hope that this is not goodbye forever, but that we will meet again. I trust that you will understand and respect my decision, which was not an easy one to make. With sincere appreciation and respect, Malcolm Marx.”
