The Vodacom Bulls have officially signed Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith on a three-year contract.

Smith was part of the World Cup-winning squads in 2019 and 2023.

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The 33-year-old will reunite with Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann, who coached him at the Lions. Ackermann said he was delighted to work with Smith again.

“As a youngster, he showed character and 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 establish himself as one of the best backrows in world rugby. Wherever he goes, he makes a difference, and I look forward to him contributing both on and off the field.”

Smith first made his mark in sevens rugby, winning Commonwealth Games gold with the Blitzboks in Glasgow in 2014 and an Olympic bronze medal in Rio in 2016.

His breakthrough in the 15-man game came with 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 with Yamaha Júbilo, now known as the Shizuoka Blue Revs.

Smith has remained part of the Springbok team and has played more than 60 Tests.

His achievements include winning the Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, the 2021 series against the British & Irish Lions, and Rugby Championship titles in 2019, 2024 and 2025.

The loose forward suffered a serious knee injury in May 2026, tearing his ACL and meniscus while playing for the Blue Revs. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, but medical experts have since cleared him to return to play at the end of December.

“I’m very excited to be joining,” said Smith, whose recovery 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 joins a Bulls loose trio that already includes Springboks Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden, as well as regular captain and former Springbok Marcell Coetzee. Jeandre Rudolph has also been in strong form this season, while former Junior Springboks Mpilo Gumede and Nama Xaba add further depth.

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said Smith’s experience and approach would make him a strong addition to the team.

“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 inside our group, and our supporters will love the way he plays.”

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