Toyota Verblitz announced that it mutually agreed to part ways with 34-year-old Pieter-Steph du Toit following extensive discussions regarding his contract. The two-time Rugby World Cup champion wanted to avoid traveling between South Africa and Japan during the upcoming season while his family remained behind. His departure contributes to a broader exodus of South African rugby stars from Japanese clubs. Teammates Cheslin Kolbe and Kwagga Smith have already left Japan, while Manie Libbok and Malcolm Marx are scheduled to return to domestic franchises next June.
Key points
Extensive mutual discussions led to the immediate release of the veteran forward from his…: Extensive mutual discussions led to the immediate release of the veteran forward from his Japanese club commitments.
Travel burdens and family obligations in South Africa served as the primary motivation fo…: Travel burdens and family obligations in South Africa served as the primary motivation for Du Toit's mid-career move.
South African provincial franchises will gain additional returning talent when Malcolm Ma…: South African provincial franchises will gain additional returning talent when Malcolm Marx and Manie Libbok depart Japan next June.
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Springbok stalwart Du Toit to leave Japanese club with immediate effect
CAPE TOWN, Nov 6 : Two-time World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit is the latest South African international to announce a departure from Japan and will be leaving Toyota Verblitz with immediate effect, the club announced on Friday.
• Du Toit, who was named the world's best player in 2019 and 2024, asked for early termination of his contract after spending the past five seasons at Verblitz
• The 34-year-old forward, who was part of the Springboks' World Cup-winning teams in 2019 and 2023, said in a club statement that he did not want to travel back and forth between South Africa and Japan during the upcoming season while his family remained in South Africa
• "While Pieter-Steph du Toit was still under contract with the club, the player and Toyota Verblitz engaged in extensive discussions regarding his future... both parties mutually agreed to part ways," said a club statement
• Bok teammates Manie Libbok and Malcolm Marx will leave Japanese club rugby when the season ends…
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