Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx will join the Bulls on a long-term contract from July 2027, IOL Sport reported. Marx is the World Rugby Player of the Year.
The 32-year-old will come home after six years of playing his franchise rugby in Japan. According to IOL, he could have chosen any South African team. He picked the Bulls because he wanted to work again with his old Lions coach, Johan Ackermann.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such a historic and respected club as the Bulls,” Marx said. “It is an exciting new chapter for me, and I look forward to reconnecting and working alongside former teammates and coaches.”
He added that he was eager to help wherever he could. “I am eager to contribute wherever I can, and play my part in helping the Bulls achieve their goals,” he said.
Marx has won the Rugby World Cup twice with the Springboks, in 2019 and 2023. He has played 94 Tests and scored 29 Test tries. IOL said that is the most tries by any forward in Springbok history.
The hooker is in Europe with the Springboks, where he can add to that record.
The Bulls were second on the United Rugby Championship table when the signing was announced. IOL said the Pretoria side is building a squad full of players under 30. The team has also signed senior stars such as Kwagga Smith.
Ackermann said he was humbled by the move. “I’m humbled that a player of his quality sees our union as the place he wants to play his rugby,” the coach said.
The coach first met Marx at King Edward VII School in Johannesburg. “I first met him with his mom as a 16-year-old at KES. I just saw this broad-shouldered, big man, but obviously the proof was in the pudding,” Ackermann said.
Ackermann said Marx did not stay long in the under-20 team before he moved up to the senior squad. The coach once said the young player could have an impact like Bismarck du Plessis. He was criticised in the media for that view, but Marx soon proved him right.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I coached, someone with great integrity too. He excelled and has stayed humble, always putting his team first,” Ackermann said.
“I have so much respect for him, and grateful that his rugby journey has come full circle with me. I am most proud of the man, the person, and the husband and son he is for his family,” he added.
Marx grew up in Johannesburg. After school he joined the Lions and became one of the stars of their best years. He helped the Lions reach three Super Rugby finals in a row, in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
He also won several South African Super Rugby Player of the Year awards. IOL said his work at the breakdown, his accurate set pieces and his strong ball carrying made him one of the best in the world.
Fellow Springboks Siya Kolisi and Bongi Mbonambi are also making local moves. Both players are switching back to the Stormers, IOL reported.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.