Kwagga Smith signs with the Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls have signed Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith on a
three-year contract. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner brings a serial winner's
pedigree and a fearless, abrasive edge to a franchise already rich in backrow talent.
Smith, 33, has been in two World Cup-winning squads, in 2019 and 2023. He is a
ferociously talented ball winner who plays at No 6 and No 8. His athleticism and refusal
to take a backward step have made him one of the most revered players in the
Springbok group.

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said he was delighted to team up again with
Smith, having coached him previously at the Lions.
“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 made his name in sevens before he did so in the 15-man game. He won
Commonwealth Games gold with the Blitzboks in Glasgow in 2014 and an Olympic
bronze medal in Rio in 2016. He then took that pace and aggression into the 15s game.
His first big break came at the Lions, where he was part of the side that won the 2015
Currie Cup. He moved to Japan in 2018 and has spent eight years there with Yamaha
Júbilo, now rebranded as the Shizuoka Blue Revs. He kept his place in the Springbok
set-up throughout and has played more than 60 Tests.