Kwagga Smith embracing recovery while backing Bok youngsters

Smith damaged his knee while playing for Japan’s Shizuoka Blue Revs in a League One clash against the Canon Eagles on 9 May, an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. 

Speaking in Johannesburg at the launch of the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour against the All Blacks, the 33-year-old said he is working closely with the medical team to ensure he returns fully fit and can extend the latter years of his career rather than rushing back too soon.

"I haven't had an injury this big in my whole career. So for me, obviously, I'm just taking it step by step, following the medical staff and what they're telling me to do, taking it easy. We're not rushing because we want to make sure that when I am back, I will be back for the last bit of my career," said Smith.

READ: Veteran Springbok Cobus Reinach adamant that age is just a number

While missing out on the Springboks’ current campaign has been frustrating, Smith says the experience has also given him a fresh appreciation for the bond between the national team and its supporters. 

Watching from the stands and on television has allowed him to witness the passion of South African fans from a different perspective, something he admits has strengthened his appreciation of what it means to represent the green and gold.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has once again rotated his squad extensively ahead of Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Wales in Durban, continuing his drive to build depth after a youthful side impressed in victory over Scotland at Loftus Versfeld last weekend. 

Smith believes the emerging players have embraced their opportunities however, he expects the upcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand to provide the ultimate measure of how far the next generation has progressed.

Stormers and Springbok loose forward Paul de Villiers has drawn comparisons with Smith because of his tireless work rate, physicality and effectiveness at the breakdown. 

Smith has welcomed the youngster’s emergence, insisting he views his progress as a positive for South African rugby rather than a threat to his own place in the squad.