Kwagga Smith signs three-year deal with Vodacom Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls have signed Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith to a three-year contract. The 33-year-old veteran is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, having been part of the championship squads in 2019 and 2023.

Smith, who plays at No 6 and No 8, joins the franchise following an eight-year tenure in Japan with Yamaha Júbilo, now known as the Shizuoka Blue Revs. His career includes Commonwealth Games gold in 2014 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2016.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann, who previously coached Smith at the Lions, expressed enthusiasm for the signing, noting Smith’s character and status as one of the world’s premier backrows. Smith is expected to return to action following a major knee injury sustained in May 2026.