The Bulls are edging closer to a potential major signing, with double Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok Kwagga Smith leaving Japanese club Shizuoka Blue Revs, and Pretoria’s Reinhardt Ludwig committing to Loftus Versfeld until 2030.
Smith’s departure from Japan was confirmed on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that the 33-year-old loose forward could return to South Africa and reunite with Bulls coach Johan Ackermann, who coached him at the Lions before his move to Japan in 2018.
Ackermann has already confirmed the Bulls’ interest in bringing Smith back to South Africa, and ending his contract by mutual agreement is a significant step towards making that a reality.
Smith has enjoyed a hugely successful eight-year stint in Japan, captaining the Blue Revs and earning selection in the league’s team of the season five times. In 2023, his fellow players voted him Japan Rugby League One Player of the Season.
He made 81 appearances for the club, which praised his contribution and leadership.
“Since joining Yamaha Jubilo in 2018, he has been a key player for the team,” the club said.
Smith, who has won 63 Test caps, has been sidelined by a knee injury and has missed the Springboks’ international season to date. Rassie Erasmus has indicated that he is unlikely to recover in time for the November Nations Championship matches.
A move to the Bulls would reunite him with Ackermann and add another proven international to an already formidable forward pack.
While Smith’s future remains to be finalised, the Bulls have secured a significant piece of their longer-term plans by tying down Ludwig, one of South African rugby's most promising young forwards.
The 24-year-old lock has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Loftus until 2030, underlining the club’s faith in his ability and leadership potential.
Ludwig has been part of the Bulls system since his 2021 debut and has never played his rugby outside Pretoria. Before turning professional, he was head boy at Affies and captained the school’s first XV, carrying those leadership credentials into the professional game.
He also represented the SA Under-20 side in 2021 and 2022.
At 1.99m and 111kg, Ludwig has the physical attributes to make his mark at the highest level, but it’s his development and leadership that have strengthened his standing at the Bulls.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Bulls for the opportunity to extend,” Ludwig said.
“It means a lot that the coaches and the management have shown their trust and belief in me.
“I’m really excited; they’ve built an unbelievable squad, and it’s such a privilege to be a part of that. I’m fully committed to giving my absolute best, working hard and doing everything I can to contribute to the success of this team to take the Bulls to another level in the next couple of seasons.”