South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx scores a try against New Zealand in September

Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx, named World Rugby’s player of the year in 2025, will return to the Bulls from July 2027, the Pretoria-based side announced Thursday.

The 32-year-old, a two-time World Cup winner and capped 94 times by the Springboks, has put pen to paper on a long-tern deal, the side said without giving details.

Marx joins from Japanese side Kubota Spears, where he has been since 2021.

His arrival in Pretoria follows that of flanker Kwagga Smith, who also plays in Japan, with the Shizuoka Blue Revs.

The 63-time capped Smith, 32, signed a three-year contract with the Bulls.