Marx signs with Lions but heads to Japan

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx will be lost to the Emirates Lions for the 2020 Vodacom Super Rugby season, but will return in 2021 after a sabattical in Japan.

The Lions announced on Friday that Marx extended his contract with the team until 2021. However, Marx will be released for the sabattical to take up a contract in Japan in 2020, returning in June and thereby missing Super Rugby next year.

He will, however be available for the Springboks next season, following the same model that the Bulls are looking to use to bring back lock RG Snyman in 2021 as well. The All Blacks have a similar deal with Sam Whitelock, who will also return in 2021 to New Zealand.

“Lions Rugby Company, together with SA Rugby, and the newly established contracting model have been able to retain the services of the outstanding Springbok hooker by ensuring the player’s career is managed and sustained,” a team press release said.

“Marx will be able to enjoy a temporary release after the 2019 Rugby World Cup for a sabbatical in Japan and he will return to South Africa and the Emirates Lions in June 2020.”

“Malcolm has always given the Lions and Springboks 100 % effort and dedication and to ensure sustainability in the young player’s career, it is important that, together, we look after his wellbeing,” Rudolf Straeuli, CEO of the Lions Rugby Company said.

Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, said he was delighted that Marx had renewed his contract.

“Malcolm has established himself as a world-class player and his contribution to the Springboks has been immense, so his decision to renew his contract with the Lions is very good news indeed,” said Erasmus.

“Malcolm’s contract renewal at the Lions is a fantastic result for the new contracting model that the players, unions and SA Rugby worked to agree and was announced on Friday.

“It proves what can be achieved if we all work together with the best interests of the player and South African rugby in mind,” added Erasmus.