Springbok loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit will return to South Africa after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz. The 34-year-old, a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, is expected to join a local South African franchise following the conclusion of the current Nations Championship campaign.
Departure from Toyota Verblitz
The club confirmed the separation on Friday, citing extensive discussions regarding the player’s future. In a formal statement, the club acknowledged that while the player remained under contract, both parties reached a mutual agreement to part ways in accordance with his wishes.
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.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, Springbok loose forward
General manager Akitomo Goto praised the loose forward’s professionalism, leadership and commitment
throughout his tenure. He further thanked the 102-cap veteran for his enormous contribution to the growth and development of our team.
Reflecting on his five seasons in Japan, Du Toit expressed that while leaving is difficult, he departs with immense gratitude for the kindness shown to his family by the club and the Japanese people.
A Trend of Returning Springboks
Du Toit’s move is part of a broader reverse exodus,
as several high-profile Springbok stars opt to leave the Japan Rugby League One competition to return home. This shift includes flyhalf Manie Libbok, who will join the Sharks at the end of the 2026/27 season, and hooker Malcolm Marx, who has signed with the Bulls. Loose forward Kwagga Smith is also heading to the Bulls, contributing to a forward pack that director Johan Ackermann is assembling at Loftus Versfeld.
The market for Du Toit’s services is expected to be aggressive. The Stormers are considered a romantic option for the Cape Town product, while the Sharks under JP Pietersen possess the financial resources and ambition to compete for his signature. As a player who offers the type of breakdown dominance that transforms packs into championship-calibre units, Du Toit is viewed by local franchises as a key acquisition for those chasing silverware.
International Career Milestones
Du Toit remains a central figure in Rassie Erasmus’s Springbok setup as the team builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. A double World Cup winner in 2019 and 2023, he was also named World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2024. His domestic history includes representing the Sharks from 2012 to 2015 and the Stormers from 2016 to 2021.
Despite his departure from Japan, Du Toit continues his international duties, with the Springbok forward set to start at openside flanker against Italy in Genoa this Saturday. His return to the South African domestic system is anticipated to bolster the depth and cohesion of the national squad as they navigate the remainder of the international calendar.