The Sharks have joined the Bulls in pursuing Malcolm Marx ahead of the Kubota Spears hooker's mid-2027 contract expiry, with JP Pietersen, general manager Dave Williams and head of recruitment Ruan Jacobs already meeting to assess the feasibility of bringing the 32-year-old to Durban.
The Bulls have been in discussions with Marx for several months, but the Sharks' interest has now complicated what had appeared to be a straightforward return to Loftus. Marx, the 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year, has been based in Japan since 2021.
The Sharks' motivation is partly driven by uncertainty around Bongi Mbonambi, who is awaiting the outcome of an internal disciplinary hearing after reportedly breaching head coach Pietersen's pre-season protocols. Mbonambi has missed the Sharks' first three URC matches and, at 35, his long-term future at the club is in question. Should Marx arrive, he would also serve as a senior mentor for 20-year-old Esethu Mnebelele, who joined the Sharks from the Bulls in the off-season and is regarded as a strong Springbok prospect.
Meanwhile, the Bulls are set to address an injury crisis in their tighthead stocks by bringing in Stormers prop Henco van Wyk on a short-term deal for at least October. Mornay Smith and Mawande Mdanda are both sidelined and unlikely to return until December, leaving the Bulls stretched in that position. The Stormers have sufficient cover at tighthead following Wilco Louw's arrival from Pretoria, with Neethling Fouche and Zachary Porthen also available.