Malcolm Marx says family behind return to South Africa and the Bulls

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has explained why he is ending his time in Japan and heading back to South African rugby. According to IOL, he has committed to the Bulls for next season.

Marx said the choice came down to home life. “It’s for family reasons,” he explained, adding that he simply wanted more time with his loved ones after several years abroad.

Part of a Japan-to-SA return trend

Marx is not the only Springbok coming back. Kwagga Smith has already signed with the Bulls, and Manie Libbok has agreed a deal with the Sharks. Damian de Allende is also set to return home, as is Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Still driven after ten years

Marx has now spent a decade in the Springbok set-up, yet he insists the occasion has not lost its meaning. He said it is still “a great honour” to represent his country, whether it is his first Test or a later one in his career.

He described playing for South Africa as a dream he holds every year, and said that is why he plays: to put himself in the best shape to contribute to the team.

IOL notes that Marx has had another strong season and should be among the contenders for World Rugby’s Player of the Year honour, which he won last season.

Handling the spotlight

Asked about the pressure of being seen as one of the best players in the world, Marx played it down. He said past achievements do not carry over, because the focus is on the next challenge. This week, that is a Nations Championship Test against France in Paris on Friday.

He credited the culture in Rassie Erasmus’ squad for keeping his mindset steady. Players and management treat everyone the same, he said, regardless of what they have won. In his words, “everybody is treated exactly the same”, and each player must still work hard every week.

What it means for supporters

For local fans, the returns mean several Springbok regulars will be playing in South African colours next season rather than overseas. Marx and Smith will both be at the Bulls, while Libbok is bound for the Sharks. Before that, attention turns to Friday’s Test in Paris.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.