Piet du Toit Biography

One of the old masters of the game, Piet du Toit commanded the game during an era when a strong tackle or a fist fight was easily remedied by a post-game handshake between gentlemen.

The legend, Pieter Stephanus du Toit or ‘Piet’ as he is commonly known, was the 5th name of his line. He was born in Petrusville on 9 October 1935 and died in 1996 at the age of 60. His efforts in the green and gold jersey would inspire many after him, including his grandsons Pieter-Steph and Johan du Toit. One of whom would go on to become World Rugby’s Player of the Year.

His rugby days started young, whilst studying at the University of Stellenbosch. He would go on to make his debut for the Western Province in 1956, touring with the Springboks in Australia and New Zealand that same year. He would not see his first test rugby fixture until two years later, however.

Piet du Toit made the move to Boland rugby as it aligned with his goals to grow and maintain the family farm. It was during this time that he got his first South African cap against France. They drew the fixture 3 - 3 in Newlands.

His next series against the All Blacks had a more successful run, winning two, drawing one, and losing the other. In total the prop made 14 appearances for the Springboks.

Piet du Toit showed abnormal amounts of strength in the scrum for someone as light as he was (95 kilograms), and it earned him the nickname “Spiere”, which was fitting for the strapping young lad.

The powerhouse enjoyed a tour of Europe in December 1960 and toppled Wales, Ireland, England, and Scotland. A showing for how the British & Irish Lions Tours would go when facing the Springboks in subsequent years.

Despite coming from an era of isolation, Piet du Toit’s impact on the sport played a tremendous role in creating a high standard for those that followed, particularly his grandsons. Even in death, he continues to serve as an inspiration and hallmark of what Springbok rugby is and can be.