Bulls Sign Springbok Star
The Vodacom Bulls have signed Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith on a three-year contract.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner brings a proven winning pedigree and a fearless, abrasive edge to a franchise already rich in back-row talent.
Smith, 33, was part of the Springbok squads that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. A ferociously talented ball-winner, he can play at both No. 6 and No. 8. His athleticism and refusal to take a backward step have made him one of the most respected players in the Springbok squad.
Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said he was delighted to reunite with Smith, having previously coached him at the Lions.
“As a youngster, he showed character, fight and integrity. He’s a team man who has grown into a stalwart, and it’s been a privilege to watch his career unfold and see him establish himself as one of the best back-rowers in world rugby. Wherever he goes, he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field.”
Smith made his name in sevens before establishing himself in the 15-a-side game. He won Commonwealth Games gold with the Blitzboks in Glasgow in 2014 and an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016 before bringing that pace and aggression to the 15-a-side format.
His first major breakthrough came at the Lions, where he was part of the team that won the 2015 Currie Cup. He moved to Japan in 2018 and has spent the past eight years there with Yamaha Júbilo, now rebranded as the Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Throughout that period, he retained his place in the Springbok set-up and has earned more than 60 Test caps. His honours include the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, the 2021 series victory over the British & Irish Lions, and Rugby Championship titles in 2019, 2024 and 2025.
Smith suffered a serious knee injury in May 2026, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus while playing for the Blue Revs. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. He has since been medically cleared to return to action at the end of December.
“I’m very excited to be joining,” said Smith, who added that his recovery was progressing well. “I’m already jogging. I miss the rugby, but I’m feeling good. My wife is pregnant and due in January, so the timing of joining the Vodacom Bulls is perfect. Playing under Johan Ackermann previously was one of my best experiences. I’m looking forward to getting back by early next year.”
Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said: “Kwagga is a proven winner who has achieved just about everything the game has to offer, and he has never lost his hunger. His work rate, physicality and fearlessness are exactly what we want in Vodacom Bulls colours. He will drive standards within our group, and our supporters will love the way he plays.”
Smith is poised to become a popular figure at Loftus Versfeld, where the Vodacom Bulls already boast an array of talent in the back row.
