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Malcolm Marx confirms South Africa homecoming days after Bok team-mate's exit
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Malcolm Marx has confirmed he will return to South Africa at the end of the upcoming Japan Rugby League One season after deciding not to extend his contract with Kubota Spears beyond June 2027.
The 93-cap Springbok has spent the past six years in Japan and will see out the remainder of the League One campaign before heading home for family reasons.
His decision is likely to trigger considerable interest among South Africa’s United Rugby Championship sides, with the Bulls having already sounded out the 32-year-old over a potential move earlier this year.
The Sharks could now also emerge as a possible destination following the departure of fellow Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who left Durban this week to join the Stormers.
Mbonambi’s exit creates an obvious 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 has become one of the competition’s leading hookers.
The double World Cup winner has made 58 League One appearances for the Spears and will spend one final campaign chasing another title before bringing his lengthy spell abroad to an end.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Kubota Corporation and the entire Kubota Spears family for the six years I have 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 extend my contract beyond the 2026/27 season and will be returning to South Africa.
“My time with the Spears has been a memorable experience for both me and my family, one that we will always treasure 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 have shown us throughout our time in Japan.
“During my time at Kubota, I have always tried to give my very best, both on and off the field, and to represent the company and the Spears with pride. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, friendships and experiences I have gained along the way.
“Although this chapter is coming to an end, 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 finishing this journey on a high note.
“I sincerely hope this is not a goodbye forever, but rather a see you again. I trust that you will understand and respect my decision, which has not been an easy one to make. With sincere appreciation and respect, Malcolm Marx.”
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