Van Graan bids farewell to Bath 'legend' Thomas du Toit
TRANSFER NEWS: Springbok prop Thomas du Toit’s successful three-year stint at Bath has officially come to an end after the Premiership club confirmed he will be among 10 players departing at the end of the season.
Du Toit’s exit is the headline departure from Johann van Graan’s squad, with the World Cup winner set to return to South Africa and rejoin the Sharks after establishing himself as one of Bath’s most influential players.
The 31-year-old leaves The Recreation Ground after 72 appearances, three consecutive Forward of the Season awards and a legacy that saw Van Graan describe him as a “Bath legend”.
He is joined on the departure list by Scotland centre Chris Harris, England hopeful Alfie Barbeary and a host of academy graduates and squad players as Bath reshapes its squad for next season.
Bath’s departures are notable for the quality and experience heading out the door. Among the biggest names are Du Toit, Scotland international centre Chris Harris and highly rated England forward Alfie Barbeary.
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Du Toit’s exit marks the end of a highly successful three-year spell in the West Country. The powerful front-rower established himself as one of the Premiership’s premier forwards during his time at The Recreation Ground, making 72 appearances and collecting three consecutive Bath Forward of the Season awards.
A key figure in Bath’s rise under Van Graan, the World Cup-winning Springbok will return to South Africa to join the Sharks.
Van Graan paid tribute to Du Toit’s contribution, describing him as a “Bath legend” after helping the club establish itself among England’s elite and delivering silverware during his stay.
Harris, meanwhile, will depart after just one season with Bath, returning to his native north-east to join Newcastle Red Bulls. The experienced Scotland midfielder brought leadership and international pedigree to the squad but will now continue his career closer to home.
Another significant departure is Barbeary, whose immense potential has long made him one of English rugby’s most talked-about forwards. The versatile backrower will continue his career with Saracens as he looks to further his ambitions of breaking into England’s senior international setup.
Academy graduate Will Butt is also moving on, bringing an end to a long association with the club. The centre heads to Exeter Chiefs after making 76 appearances for Bath, while winger Ethan Staddon has secured a move to Bristol Bears.
South African prop Francois van Wyk will leave after two seasons, joining Irish province Connacht.
The club’s academy will also bid farewell to four players. Flyhalf Sam Harris will join Exeter Chiefs, lock Harvey Cuckson is heading to the Scarlets, scrumhalf Neil le Roux has already returned to South Africa to join the Bulls, and tighthead prop Mikey Summerfield departs after spending four years within Bath’s development system.
Despite the departures, Bath retain the core of the squad that has transformed into one of the Premiership’s most formidable teams under Van Graan’s leadership.
The outgoing players leave having played important roles in that journey, whether as established internationals, emerging talents or academy products.
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