Malcolm Marx has confirmed he will not renew his contract with Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay beyond the 2026/27 season, with a return to South Africa set for June 2027. The hooker cited family reasons for the decision.
"Unfortunately, due to family reasons, I have made the difficult decision not to extend my contract beyond the 2026/27 season and will be returning to South Africa," Marx said in a statement. "My time with the Spears has been a memorable experience for both me and my family, one that we will always treasure."
Marx has spent six years in Japan, initially with the Shining Arcs before joining the Kubota Spears in 2021. He won the Japan Rugby League One title with the Spears in 2023 and finished runners-up last season to Dave Rennie's Kobe Steelers.
He has yet to disclose which South African franchise he will join, but has been linked with both the Sharks and the Bulls. A move to Pretoria would reunite him with Johan Ackermann, under whom he played at the Lions. At the Sharks, he would fill a significant void at hooker following Bongi Mbonambi's contract termination and subsequent return to the Stormers.
Kubota Spears general manager Yasuyoshi Maekawa paid tribute to Marx, noting that his World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year award, won while at the club, was "a source of great pride for both the club and the Orange Army."