Kwagga Smith is expected to return to rugby at the end of December after recovering from the serious knee injury that ended his 2026 season.
The versatile loose forward has agreed a three-year contract with the Bulls, bringing an end to his eight-year spell with Yamaha Jubilo, now known as the Shizuoka Blue Revs. Smith has also remained an important member of the Springbok squad during that period, winning more than 60 Tests.
Smith tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus while playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in May 2026. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season, but medical experts have now cleared him to resume playing at the end of December.
“I’m very excited to be joining,” said Smith, who believes his rehabilitation is progressing well. “I’m already jogging. I miss the rugby but I’m feeling good.
“My wife is pregnant, 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.”
Smith previously worked under Johan Ackermann and is aiming to return to competition early next year. His arrival will add further depth to a Bulls back row that already contains a number of talented players.
Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone said Smith’s approach would have a positive influence on the squad.
“Kwagga is a proven winner who has achieved just about everything the game has to offer, and he has never lost his hunger,” said Rathbone. “His work rate, physicality and fearlessness are exactly what we want in Vodacom Bulls colours. He will drive standards inside our group, and our supporters will love the way he plays.”
The Bulls will be without Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier for several weeks after he underwent surgery on an ankle injury.
Papier, who is the reigning SA URC Player of the Year, sustained the problem after being introduced as a substitute during the Bulls’ 56-20 Champions Cup victory over Stade Francais in Pretoria last Saturday.
His absence leaves Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the Bulls’ scrumhalf options in the match 23.
