In a statement shared by Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx on Friday, the World Rugby Player of the Year confirmed he will be leaving Japan club Kubota Spears when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.

The 32-year-old has been plying his trade in Japan since 2020, but he said his return to South Africa was due to “family circumstances”.

“I have made the difficult decision not to renew my contract beyond the 2026-27 season and to return to South Africa,” Marx said in a statement.

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“My time with the Spears has been an invaluable experience for both me

Read the full article from The South African Rugby here.