Pieter-Steph du Toit set for South Africa return after Toyota Verblitz departure

The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year and double World Cup-winning Springbok spent the past five seasons at Verblitz but is returning to South Africa after agreeing to an early termination of his contract following the Nations Championship.

The 34-year-old back-rower said in a club statement that he didn't want to travel back and forth between South Africa and Japan during the upcoming season and subsequently reached an agreement to part ways.

Toyota Verblitz confirmed the news of his departure on Friday with the statement reading: "We hereby announce that Pieter-Steph du Toit will depart Toyota Verblitz. 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."

The loose forward is the latest in a growing list of Springboks heading home from Japan. Manie Libbok and Malcolm Marx are also set to leave the Kintetsu Liners and Kubota Spears respectively at the end of the 2026/27 season, with Libbok returning to the Sharks and Marx joining the Bulls.

Kwagga Smith has also terminated his contract with the Blue Revs to link up with the Bulls, while Cheslin Kolbe also ended his Japanese rugby journey by signing for the Stormers.

"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," Du Toit said in the statement.

"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. To the coaching staff, thank you for all that I have learned from you and for your patience and support during the long periods when I was unable to play for the club.

"To my Toyota Verblitz teammates, thank you for welcoming me as a brother and making me feel like part of your family. It was always a privilege and an honour to train and play alongside you.

"To the Toyota Verblitz supporters, thank you for standing by both the team and me through the good times and the challenging moments. I am truly grateful for your unwavering loyalty and support.

"My family and I will deeply miss Toyota Verblitz. Our time here has given us memories that we will cherish forever. While it is difficult to say goodbye, we leave with immense gratitude and will always look back on our time in Japan and at Toyota Verblitz with great fondness."