World Cup-winning Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx has reportedly opted out of his contract with theLions, according to Sport 24.
The 24-year-old, who only recently returned from a so-called sabbatical stint in Japan, will be returning to the country to run out for the Kubota Spears, who are coached by former two-time Super Rugby champion coach Frans Ludeke.
If #StrongerTogether was a try 👏💪🤗
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2019
It’s just ridiculous as the @Springboks maul Japan 40 metres back and Malcolm Marx offloads to Faf de Klerk who dives over for the try 🔥
Watch live: https://t.co/QmnX1bfvkI.#RWC2019 #JPNvRSA pic.twitter.com/vv1HvcHopq
Marx was linked with Gloucester last summer, but due to the uncertainty over Johan Ackermann’s future, which ended with the South African coach departing Kingsholm, talks never got to an advanced stage.
The hooker who stands at 1.89 metres and 114 kilograms is a man-mountain in terms of size and has pace to burn for a big unit. There is no weakness in his game and the only concern would be wear and tear on the body and injuries, which are part of parcel of the modern game.
Four others who have opted out of the Lions are Ruan Vermaak, Tyrone Green, Shaun Reynolds and Neil de Bruin.
Johan Ackermann exit | 4 contenders to replace the South African at Gloucester
Here are four possible replacements for the South African:
1. Stuart Lancaster
Following England’s Rugby World Cup failure in 2015, Lancaster has begun to re-establish himself as a top coach since joining Leinster.
There is no need for him to leave the Irish, where he is having a very enjoyable and successful stint, but increased responsibility at one of English rugby’s biggest clubs?
If Gloucester are willing to meet the compensation requirement to buy him out of his current contract, it must be a tempting proposition.
