Kwagga ends Japan chapter as SA return beckons

Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith has parted ways with Japan’s Shizuoka Blue Revs by mutual agreement, opening the way for a possible return to South African franchise rugby as he recovers from a serious knee injury.

The club confirmed his departure on Tuesday, 20 October, ending an eight-season association that began when he joined the then Yamaha Júbilo in 2018.

Smith, 33, made 78 appearances in Japan’s Top League and League One competitions, according to the official departure announcement. He earned five selections to the competitions’ teams of the season and was voted League One’s Player of the Season in 2023.

Shizuoka paid tribute to his leadership and contribution to the club’s history.

His departure comes after a knee injury sustained in May interrupted his club career and kept him out of the Springboks’ international programme this year.

Apparently the Bulls are interested in signing Smith, potentially reuniting him with Johan Ackermann, his former Lions coach.

A move to Pretoria remains unconfirmed, however. The announcement establishes his release from Shizuoka, rather than a completed South African contract or a firm date for his return to action.

Sources: Japan Rugby League One, club departure announcement, 20 October; Planet Rugby, 20 October; SABC Sport, July 2026.