Bok star Pieter-Steph du Toit is returning to South Africa
TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit will return to South Africa after spending five seasons at Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
The club confirmed the news on Friday, revealing that the two parties agreed to part ways mutually.
The 34-year-old has been granted an early release from his contract and is likely to join his new club after the Nations Championship campaign.
“We hereby announce that Pieter-Steph du Toit will depart Toyota Verblitz,” the club said.
“While Pieter-Steph du Toit was still under contract with the club, the player and Toyota Verblitz engaged in extensive discussions regarding his future.
“Following those discussions, and in accordance with his wishes, both parties mutually agreed to part ways.”
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Du Toit has represented the Springboks in over 100 Tests, and continues to be a key cog in Rassie Erasmus’s side.
He played a key role in the back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023 and has been a mainstay in the side over the years.
He thanked the club and revealed his reasons for the move.
“Toyota Verblitz and the people of Japan have been incredibly kind and welcoming to our family,” he said.
“I would like to sincerely thank the club’s management for enabling our family to stay together during our time in Japan.
“I shared with the management that I did not want to be separated from my family and travel back and forth between Japan and South Africa during the upcoming season. They were understanding of my situation and kindly agreed to an early release from my contract.
“To all the staff at Toyota Verblitz, thank you for everything you have done for my family and me.”
General manager of the club, Akitomo Goto praised the Bok star for his service throughout the seasons.
“Throughout his time with Toyota Verblitz, Pieter consistently delivered outstanding performances as one of the world’s finest rugby players.
“He also set exceptionally high standards in his daily training and match preparation, making a significant impact both on and off the field.
“His professionalism, leadership and commitment have been a source of inspiration to his teammates, coaches and staff, and he has made an enormous contribution to the growth and development of our team.
“We are extremely proud to have had Pieter represent Toyota Verblitz and sincerely thank him for his outstanding contribution to the club. We have the utmost respect for everything Pieter has achieved during his time with us, and everyone at Toyota Verblitz wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Du Toit joins a list of Springbok players who have returned to South Africa after Manie Libbok signed for the Sharks, and Malcolm Marx for the Bulls.
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