Double Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks flanker Kwagga Smith has parted ways with Japanese club the Shizuoka Blue Revs.
The club confirmed the news on Tuesday morning amid speculation that the back-rower could return to South Africa.
Kwagga Smith’s South African return
Smith has enjoyed a successful eight years at the Japan Rugby League One club, which he has captained in recent seasons.
During his time at the club, he has been named in the team of the season on five occasions – twice during the Top League era and thrice since the tournament rebranded to the Japan Rugby League.
In 2023, he was also crowned the Player of the Season in the league, an award voted for by the players.
The Shizuoka Blue Revs confirmed that his contract has been terminated by ‘mutual agreement’ and paid tribute to Smith ahead of his rumoured return to South Africa.
“Since joining Yamaha Jubilo in 2018, he has been a key player for the team for eight seasons,” the statement read.
Adding: “In addition, with his experience and achievements as a South African national team player with 63 caps, he has always been a leader and role model for the team. Kwagga Smith is an important figure who has built the club’s history and is a true representative of the league. We express our utmost respect and gratitude for his achievements to date and sincerely wish him continued success in the future.”
The loose forward played 81 matches for the Blue Revs during his time at the club.
Smith is currently nursing a knee injury, which has seen him miss the entirety of the Springboks international season to date. Rassie Erasmus has previously stated that he is unlikely to recover in time to play in the November Nations Championship matches.
Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi’s future
The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to the Bulls, where he would link up with Johan Ackermann again, who was his coach at the Lions before he headed to Japan.
Ackermann has confirmed interest in bringing Smith and his fellow Springbok teammate Malcolm Marx back to South Africa, who also played under the head coach at the Lions.
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Rapport states that the Pretoria-based club will have competition for Marx’s signature from the Sharks, who could turn to South Africa’s top try-scoring forward if Bongi Mbonambi leaves the team.
Marx is currently contracted with the Kubota Spears in Japan through to the end of the 2026/27 season, and the report at the time stated that the Sharks hadn’t made an official offer yet.
Mbonambi, despite being fit, has not played for the Durban club this season due to a disciplinary issue that occurred on a team bonding trip. The Sharks and Mbonambi are awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing into his conduct, which could result in the termination of his contract.