It’s no secret that South African rugby players love playing for Japanese clubs. Current Rugby World Player of the Year and SA Rugby Player of the Year, Malcolm Marx, has been playing for the Kubota Spears since 2021. Before that, he turned out for NTT Shining Arcs. Cheslin Kolbe does his hot stepping for Suntory Sungoliath, while Kwagga Smith plays for Shizuoka Blue Revs. They are among several Boks who are plying their trade in the country.
Current Japan head coach Eddie Jones believes that having several of their star-studded players in the Asian country is a massive advantage for the Springboks.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones said it was a good league to play in.
“Look at how many South African players play in Japan. And I actually think they benefit from it because it’s a little bit less arduous on your bodies,” Jones said.
“They get good training time in, they get enough practice, they get plenty of touches on the ball, which is an advantage.
“There’s plenty of ball movement and plenty of touches of the ball.
“It’s that hybrid rugby without the hard contest at the breakdown, so it’s a good league to play in.
“Look at Malcolm Marx. He’s just won World Rugby Player of the Year, and he’s played here the last three years. It’s an advantage for them, a massive advantage.”
The Springboks are currently aiming for a historic third consecutive title (and fifth overall) at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Under the guidance of head coach Rassie Erasmus, the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, are currently in “build-up mode” for the 2027 showpiece. This month of March the masterful mentor will have called up 49 players to the first national alignment camp of the year to introduce fresh talent and build squad depth.
- 2026 Test Schedule: The Boks have a packed 14-match season ahead, featuring the inaugural Nations Championship in July with clashes against England, Scotland, and Wales.
- In the series lineup is “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” encounter – a significant four-match series against the All Blacks starting in August.
This article was first published in our sister site Kickoff.com
