Bulls Make Their Interest Clear in Two Springbok Stars As Ackermann Breaks His Silence
- The Bulls have opened the door to a potentially significant addition as their recruitment plans for the new season begin to take shape
- Johan Ackermann has revealed that two experienced Springboks are being discussed, although there is still plenty to resolve behind the scenes
- One of the players has spent years building his career in Japan, while the other has also been linked with a possible return to South Africa
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
The Bulls could be preparing for a major boost to their forward pack, with Springbok stars Kwagga Smith and Malcolm Marx emerging as potential targets ahead of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season.
Coach Johan Ackermann has acknowledged that the Pretoria franchise is considering moves for both players, although supporters will have to wait before either deal can be regarded as done.
The interest comes shortly after the Bulls unveiled their 55-man squad for the upcoming URC campaign on 17 September. The squad announcement has now been followed by indications that further recruitment could still take place.
Read also
Stormers’ Dobson gives update on Frans Malherbe after squad omission for 2026/27 URC season
Smith, 33, has spent his club career in Japan since leaving South Africa in 2018 for Yamaha Júbilo, which now competes as the Shizuoka Blue Revs. Marx has likewise established himself in Japan with Kubota Spears.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Ackermann confirmed that the two Springboks are among the names the Bulls are discussing, while making it clear that negotiations remain ongoing and no agreement has been finalised.
“There are still negotiations going on. Their names are on our table and we’ll look at them,” Ackermann said, according to SA Rugby Magazine.
“But it’s not finished yet, and it’s still a bit of a long way to go.”
Source: Getty Images
Springbok duo deals not yet done
Ackermann was also asked whether the Bulls were close to securing either player.
“Not yay or nay,” he replied.
That leaves the potential returns of Smith and Marx unresolved, with negotiations still continuing.
The interest in Marx comes as the Bulls manage their hooker resources for a demanding season. The club's announced squad includes Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Juann Else and Janco Uys.
Luan Giliomee move explained
Ackermann also cleared up why Luan Giliomee appeared in both the Sharks and Bulls squads.
The young flyhalf remains contracted to the Sharks but has an agreement to join the Bulls when that contract expires.
“He’s still under contract with the Sharks, but we obviously have an agreement that he will come to us once his contract finishes,” Ackermann said.
“We’re hoping somewhere in October.”
The Bulls begin their URC campaign against Zebre Parma on 26 September before travelling to Ireland to face Munster on 3 October.
Bulls’ injury crisis adds context to recruitment plans
Briefly News previously reported on 29 July 2026 that the Bulls’ Currie Cup campaign had been hit by a significant injury crisis, with captain Nama Xaba, hooker Shaun Schuurmann and centre PA van Niekerk ruled out for the remainder of the competition.
Head coach Phiwe Nomlomo explained that the Bulls were having to spread their resources across three teams, putting pressure on the squad’s depth.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
