Kwagga Smith has left Shizuoka Blue Revs by mutual agreement after eight seasons in Japan, with the Bulls emerging as the frontrunners for his signature should he return to South Africa.
The club, formerly known as Yamaha Jubilo when Smith joined in 2018, confirmed the contract termination on Tuesday, paying tribute to the flanker's contribution across 81 appearances. Smith was named in the team of the season five times during his stint and took out the league's player of the year award in 2023 — an honour voted by fellow professionals.
Smith, 33, is currently sidelined with a knee injury that has kept him out of the Springbok season entirely. Rassie Erasmus has indicated he is unlikely to be available for the November Nations Championship.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed interest in bringing Smith to Pretoria, where they previously worked together at the Lions. Ackermann is pursuing a similar reunion with Malcolm Marx, who is contracted to Kubota Spears through the end of the 2026/27 season.
The Sharks have also been linked with Marx, with Rapport reporting that their interest is contingent in part on the future of Bongi Mbonambi. Mbonambi remains unavailable for the Sharks this season pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing stemming from an incident on a team bonding trip — a process that could result in his contract being terminated. The Sharks have not yet made a formal offer to Marx.