Du Toit leaves Toyota Verblitz early to return home as third Bok to quit Japan

Pieter-Steph du Toit is leaving Toyota Verblitz and returning to South Africa after five years in Japan, the club confirmed in a statement on Friday. The 34-year-old, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and the 2019 and 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year, reached a mutual agreement with the club to be released from his current contract early, with his next destination yet to be announced.

Du Toit becomes the third Springbok in the space of a few days to announce a departure from Japanese rugby. Current World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx and fly-half Manie Libbok have already confirmed moves to the Bulls and Sharks respectively, with both switches taking effect next summer.

The veteran loose forward cited family as the driving force behind his decision. “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,” he said. “They were understanding of my situation and kindly agreed to an early release from my contract.”

Du Toit was generous in his praise for the club and its supporters. “Toyota Verblitz and the people of Japan have been incredibly kind and welcoming to our family,” he said. “To all the staff at Toyota Verblitz, thank you for everything you have done for my family and me.”

Toyota Verblitz general manager Akitomo Goto paid tribute to the South African’s impact, praising his “professionalism, leadership and commitment” and thanking him for his “enormous contribution to the growth and development of our team.”

Du Toit, who holds 102 Springbok caps, is set to add to that tally when he starts at openside flanker against Italy in Genoa on Saturday. His new club is expected to be confirmed once the Nations Championship concludes.