Malcolm Marx joins Bulls as Libbok returns to Sharks in dual Springbok homecoming from Japan

Malcolm Marx and Manie Libbok have both confirmed moves back to South Africa from Japan, with the Bulls and Sharks announcing the two Springbok World Cup winners simultaneously.

Marx, 32, will join the Bulls from Kubota Spears on a long-term deal from July 2027, while fly-half Libbok departs Hanazono Kintetsu Liners to begin a second spell at the Sharks — the Durban franchise he represented during the 2020/21 season before moving to the Stormers.

The 94-cap hooker confirmed last month he would leave Kubota at the end of the season for family reasons, prompting widespread speculation over his next destination. The Sharks had been considered a likely landing spot following Bongi Mbonambi’s move to the Stormers, but Marx will instead reunite with head coach Johan Ackermann, who handed him his Super Rugby debut at the Lions.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join such a historic and respected club as the Bulls next season,” Marx said. “It is an exciting new chapter for me, and I look forward to reconnecting and working alongside former teammates and coaches. I am eager to contribute wherever I can and play my part in helping the Bulls achieve their goals and ambitions.”

Libbok, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm for what he described as a club in the midst of a cultural shift. “For this next chapter of my career, there is no club I would rather be joining than the Sharks,” the fly-half said. “When I chatted with JP and heard his vision for the team, I knew straight away that there’s something special developing here, and I want to be part of it.”

The dual announcement adds to a broader trend of Springboks returning from Japan’s Top League. Cheslin Kolbe has already linked up with the Stormers this season after leaving Tokyo Sungoliath, and Kwagga Smith is also set to join the Bulls from Shizuoka Blue Revs. The returning players collectively represent a significant injection of World Cup-winning experience into South Africa’s URC franchises ahead of the next season.