20 October 2026
Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith is rumoured to be heading back to South Africa after his Japanese club, Shizuoka Blue Revs, confirmed his contract has been terminated by mutual consent.
The 81-cap club veteran brings the curtain down on an illustrious eight-year stint in Japan's League One, sparked by a desire to return home with his family. The 33-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner is now heavily tipped to join the Pretoria-based Vodacom Bulls.
The breakdown maestro is currently sidelined following major knee surgery to repair his ACL and meniscus, an injury suffered in May. The lengthy recovery period ruled the industrious flanker out of the entire 2026 Springbok international campaign. Despite the injury layoff, South African franchises have been on high alert to secure his signature.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has openly confirmed the Pretoria franchise's intent to lure the explosive back-rower to Loftus Versfeld. "A player of Kwagga’s calibre and experience is invaluable, and we are certainly monitoring his situation closely as he returns home," Ackermann stated. Smith leaves Japan decorated as a former League One Player of the Season, ready to complete his rehab phase on home soil.