Kwagga Smith leaves Blue Revs as Bulls weigh move

Shizuoka Blue Revs and Kwagga Smith have agreed to end the South African forward’s contract, closing an eight-season spell in Japan as the Bulls consider pursuing him. The Bulls have confirmed their interest, but Smith has not announced where he will play next. The Blue Revs said Smith’s contract ended by mutual agreement. He joined the club, then known as Yamaha Júbilo, in 2018 and became a prominent player and leader during his time there. The club thanked him for his contribution and wished him well in his next stage of his career. Smith, 33, has won 63 Test caps for South Africa and was part of the country’s Rugby World Cup-winning teams in 2019 and 2023. In Japan, he was named League One Player of the Season in 2023 and selected for the league’s team of the season five times. One account reported he made 81 appearances for the Blue Revs. Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has confirmed the Pretoria club is interested in signing Smith. Ackermann coached him at the Lions before Smith moved to Japan. While the mutual termination makes Smith available to join another club, no agreement with the Bulls has been announced, and his next destination remains unconfirmed. Smith is...