Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx will miss the upcoming Japanese club rugby season because of an injury that ruled him out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, his team Kubota Spears said on Monday.
ALSO READ | ONE Springbok named in World Rugby Dream Team of the Year
Marx, 29, was forced to leave the Springboks’ World Cup-winning squad after only one game in France following an injury to his knee during training.
Defending Japan Rugby League One champions Kubota said he would not be in their squad for the new season, which kicks off in December, but he was scheduled to return before his contract expires 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.”
MUST READ | Eben Etzebeth BEATEN to World Rugby Player of the Year award
Marx was forced out of the World Cup when he went down in training after “having his knee caught in contact” before the Springboks’ pool stage game against Romania.
Head coach Jacques Nienaber opted against calling up a direct replacement, with back-rowers Deon Fourie and Marco van Staden offering cover in the No 2 shirt, as well as Bongi Mbonambi.
Marx was instead replaced by flyhalf Handre Pollard, who kicked four first-half penalties as South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the final in Paris on Saturday.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
LOST | Jacques Nienaber LOSES out on World Rugby Coach of the Year award