Zebre confirm signing of Bath hooker Jacques du Toit

Zebre have confirmed the signing of former South Africa Under 20 international hooker Jacques du Toit from Bath Rugby ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Having started his career with Free State Cheetahs in 2014, the 28-year-old made his Super Rugby debut with Cheetahs two years later. He also had represented Southern Kings and Cheetahs before joining Bath in 2021.

The 28-year-old made a try-scoring debut for Bath against Zebre, and has made a further 31 appearances for the club to date.

“Bath is a club steeped in history, and I’m honoured to have been able to write a short piece of that,” du Toit said told Bath's official website.

“I have worked very hard to be involved in as many games as I have and it’s been my goal to make my family and Bath supporters proud. I leave this place knowing that I’ve given it my all.

“My family and I are grateful to everyone who made us feel welcome from day one, and to teammates and staff who have become great friends. It has been a privilege to play for the Blue, Black & White.”

Bath head coach Neal Hatley wished du Toit good luck for his stint with the Italian club.

“Jacques made an immediate impact in his first game for Bath and continued to do so every time he trained and played for our club.

“He’s an extremely competitive, hardworking man who quickly gained the respect of his teammates and coaches.

"He has a great attitude to get better every day and we knew every time he played exactly what we would get from him. We wish him Ilze and William all the very best in Italy.”