{
  "id": 17774322,
  "title": "Marx deal with Bulls ‘90% complete’, Willemse being hunted by Japanese club – reports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/marx-deal-with-bulls-90-complete-willemse-being-hunted-by-japanese",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T08:35:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/marx-deal-bulls-90-complete-willemse-hunted-japanese-club/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is reportedly close to signing a deal with the Bulls, according to source Rapport. The 32-year-old, who previously played for the Lions in South Africa, will join the Bulls on July 1st next year. Marx's move to South Africa follows his announcement last week that he would not return to Japan after this season's stint with Kubota Spears. His potential return to the Bulls comes as no surprise, as coach Johan Ackermann, who took charge of the team last season, is expected to continue guiding Marx in his new role. Marx will compete with rising star Jan-Hendrik Wessels, as well as established hookers Johan Grobelaar and Akker van der Merwe. The Bulls have also signed Kwagga Smith, a former Lions player, who will be available for selection from December. Meanwhile, Stormers fullback Damian Willemse is reportedly being pursued by Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, as the Stormers negotiate an extension to his contract, which expires in June next year.",
  "summary": "Following hot on the heels of Kwagga Smith signing for the Bulls, comes the news that Malcolm Marx is also on his way to Pretoria.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}