The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the signing of Kwagga Smith on a three-year deal, bringing the versatile Springbok back-row home after eight seasons with Yamaha Júbilo, now rebranded as the Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Smith, 33, was part of the Springbok squads that lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023, and has amassed more than 60 Test caps. His honours also include the 2021 series win over the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Championship titles in 2019, 2024 and 2025. Before establishing himself in the 15-man game, Smith won Commonwealth Games gold with the Blitzboks in Glasgow in 2014 and an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016. His first major breakthrough came at the Emirates Lions, where he was part of the side that won the 2015 Currie Cup.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann, who previously coached Smith at the Lions, said he was delighted to reunite with the loose forward. "As a youngster, he showed character and fight and integrity," Ackermann said. "He's a team man who has grown into a stalwart, and it's been a privilege to watch his career unfold and establish himself as one of the best back rows in world rugby. Wherever he goes, he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field."
Smith suffered a major knee injury in May 2026, tearing his ACL and meniscus while playing for the Blue Revs, which ruled him out for the rest of the 2026 season. Medical experts have since cleared him to return to play at the end of December. "I'm very excited to be joining," Smith said. "I'm already jogging. I miss the rugby, but I'm feeling good. My wife is pregnant, due in January, so the timing of joining the Vodacom Bulls is perfect. Playing under Johan Ackermann [previously] was one of my best experiences."