The Bulls team is approaching a potential major transfer as Quagg Smith, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and South African national player, leaves the Japanese club Shizuoka Blue Revs. Simultaneously, Reinhardt Ludwig from Pretoria has signed an agreement with the Loftus Versfeld club until 2030.
Smith's departure from Japan was officially confirmed on Tuesday, strengthening speculation about the 33-year-old forward's possible return to South Africa and reunion with Bulls coach Johan Ackermann. Ackermann previously coached Smith at the Lions before his move to Japan in 2018.
Ackermann has already confirmed the Bulls' interest in Smith's return to South Africa, and reaching an agreement to terminate his contract is a crucial step toward realizing this plan. During his eight years in Japan, Smith achieved great success, playing as captain of the Blue Revs and making the league season team five times.
In 2023, his teammates voted him as the Player of the Season in the Japan Rugby League One. He played 81 matches for the club, which highly valued his contribution and leadership qualities. The club noted: 'Since joining Yamaha Jubilo in 2018, he has been a key player for the team.'
Smith, who earned 63 caps for the national team, is currently sidelined due to a knee injury and could not participate in the international Springboks season. Rassie Erasmus reported that it is unlikely he will recover in time for the World Cup matches in November.
A move to the Bulls would allow him to be near Ackermann again and add another experienced international player to an already strong forward line. Although Smith's future is not yet certain, the Bulls have secured an important element of their long-term plans by signing Ludwig, one of South Africa's most promising young rugby forwards.
The 24-year-old lock signed an extension that keeps him at Loftus until 2030, underscoring the club's belief in his potential and leadership abilities. Ludwig has been part of the Bulls system since his debut in 2021 and has never played outside Pretoria. Before starting his professional career, he was a prefect at Affies and captain of the school's first XV team, bringing these leadership qualities into professional sport.
He also represented the SA Under-20 team in 2021 and 2022. Standing at 1.99m and weighing 111kg, Ludwig possesses the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level, but it is his development and leadership that have strengthened his position at the Bulls. Ludwig stated: 'I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Bulls for the opportunity to extend my contract. It means a great deal that the coaches and management have shown me trust and belief. I am very excited; they have created an incredible squad, and it is a great honor to be a part of it. I am fully committed to giving my best, working hard, and doing everything possible to contribute to the success of this team and take the Bulls to a new level in the coming seasons.'