South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit signs with Toyota Verblitz

South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit will be heading to Japan next season after signing a contract with Toyota Verblitz.

Currently recovering from a shoulder injury, the 29-year-old will be joined by All Black Patrick Tuipulotu for January to May next year.

Du Toit started his career with Sharks in 2012 and made a switch to Stormers in 2016

“It is a privilege to be part of [the team] and I hope to justify the faith put in me by giving my very best on and off the field,” du Toit said in a statement.

A member of 2012 Junior World Championship winning South Africa Under 20 side, Du Toit was also instrumental in the Springboks winning the 2019 World Cup and in the same year he was named the World Rugby Player of the Year. He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that he sustained during the series against the British and Irish Lions.

Meanwhile, Tuipulotu will head to Toyota Verblitz after being part of Blues since 2014.

“I am very happy to be joining Toyota Verblitz, and hope I can add value and assist Toyota in their goal of being the best club in Japan,” he said.

“It will be pleasing to see some familiar faces at the club … I am looking forward to my time in Japan and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” Tuipulotu added.