A family decision, six years in Japan
Malcolm Marx is coming home. The Springboks hooker said this morning that he will not extend his contract with Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay beyond the 2026/27 season, and he plans to be back in South Africa in June 2027.
His reason is simple. Family. In his statement Marx called it a “difficult decision,” and he made clear he is still fully committed to the Spears until the end of the campaign. He wants to leave on a high note, and he added that he hopes this is “not a goodbye forever.”
Marx has spent six years in Japan, starting at the Shining Arcs before joining Kubota in 2021. He lifted the Japan Rugby League One title with the Spears in 2023, then finished runner-up last season to Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers.
no renewal
Free for 2 weeks.
He has not said where he is going next. The Sharks and the Bulls have both been linked with him. The Sharks could use a hooker after ending Bongi Mbonambi’s contract, with Mbonambi rejoining the Stormers. A move to the Bulls would put Marx back under Johan Ackermann, who coached him at the Lions.
Kubota general manager Yasuyoshi Maekawa said the club regretted the news but respected Marx’s wish to spend more time with his family. He praised the hooker’s leadership and pointed to the World Rugby Men’s 15 Player of the Year award Marx won while at the club.
For South African rugby, the timing matters. A Springbok front-rower of his standing returning to a local franchise would be a significant boost for whichever side lands him, and the contest for his signature will be one to watch over the coming months.
Discover the rest of our Rugby news on MathODDS!
in your pocket.
Real-time notifications & alerts
Leave a Reply