Kubota Spears has confirmed that Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx is set to miss the upcoming Japanese club rugby season due to an injury that ruled him out of the World Cup.

Marx, who is 29 years old, had to leave the Springboks’ World Cup-winning team after just one game in France because he hurt his knee in practise.

Kubota, the defending Japan Rugby League One champions, said he would not be on their team for the new season, which starts in December. However, he was set to return before the end of his contract in May 2025.

“Unfortunately, due to my injury I won’t be able to play next season but I will be back for the following season, hopefully,” Marx said in a video message.

“Please carry on your amazing support towards the team. I think the team and everybody really appreciate it.”

It was too late for Marx to play in the World Cup because he hurt himself in practise “having his knee caught in contact” before South Africa’s game against Romania in the pool stage.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber didn’t call up a direct replacement. Instead, he used back-rowers Deon Fourie, Marco van Staden, and Bongi Mbonambi as cover in the No. 2 shirt.

Marx was switched out for fly half Handre Pollard. Pollard kicked four penalties in the first half to help South Africa beat New Zealand 12–11 in the final on Saturday in Paris.

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