Pieter-Steph du Toit becomes latest Bok to quit Japan in shock announcement

After five years in Japan, Springbok legend Pieter-Steph du Toit is returning to South Africa for family reasons.

Du Toit, crowned World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019 and 2024, has reached a mutual agreement with Toyota Verblitz to be released from his current contract, with his destination club not yet known.

He becomes the third Springbok in the last few days to announce he is leaving Japanese rugby for South Africa, with current Player of the Year Malcolm Marx and fly-half Manie Libbok joining the Bulls and Sharks, respectively, next summer.

It is believed that the 34-year-old’s new club will be announced once the Nations Championship is over.

“We hereby announce that Pieter-Steph du Toit will depart Toyota Verblitz,” his club said in a statement on Friday.

“While Pieter-Steph du Toit was still under contract with the club, the player and Toyota Verblitz engaged in extensive discussions regarding his future.

“Following those discussions, and in accordance with his wishes, both parties mutually agreed to part ways.”

A two-time World Cup winner, Du Toit has 102 caps for the Springboks and will add another to thta tally when he starts at openside against Italy in Genoa on Saturday.

Speaking about his decision to call time on his stay in Japan, he said: “Toyota Verblitz and the people of Japan have been incredibly kind and welcoming to our family.

“I would like to sincerely thank the club’s management for enabling our family to stay together during our time in Japan.

“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.

“To all the staff at Toyota Verblitz, thank you for everything you have done for my family and me.”

General manager of the club, Akitomo Goto, praised his “professionalism, leadership and commitment” and thanked him for his “enormous contribution to the growth and development of our team.”