pieter-steph du toit

Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return to SA from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK / AFP

Pieter-Steph du Toit homesick? But which SA sides can afford him?

Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return to SA from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

pieter-steph du toit

Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return to SA from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK / AFP

Springbok star Pieter-Steph du Toit is reportedly set to return to South Africa from Japan several months prior to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

BIG SUNDAY READ | ‘NEW’ BULLS SIGNING SET TO LEAVE LOFTUS VERSFELD

But which unions in Mzansi will be able to afford his services?

Du Toit left the Stormers in late 2021 and is currently playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s Rugby League One.

Pieter-Steph du Toit is due to end his Japan stay in May 2023

His contract with Verblitz expires in May 2023, well ahead of the World Cup which gets under way on 8 September 2023.

According to Sunday’s Rapport newspaper, a unnamed source said Du Toit, 29, won’t renew his stay in Japan and would be returning to South Africa shortly after his Japanese contract ends.

READ | BOKS’ 2022 TESTS REVEALED! SURPRISE VENUE FOR ALL BLACKS CLASH

But where Du Toit lands up in South Africa is the million dollar (almost) question.

He could well return to the Stormers who are closest to the Du Toit family farm, Kloovenburg, in Riebeeck Kasteel, but the big-spending Sharks and Bulls would no doubt also be interested in his services.

The Stormers this week missed out on re-signing Eben Etzebeth after the Springbok second-rower signed for the Sharks.

READ | EBEN ETZEBETH CROCKED AGAIN! SHARKS WORRIED MUCH?

The Cape side have been linked with another Springbok lock, Lood de Jager, and would certainly find room for a player of Du Toit’s calibre.

Meanwhile, the Sharks are – as reported by The South African website – still looking at making at least another TWO signings.

And the Bulls have no shortage of cash to splash thanks to the backing of billionaires Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe.

As with every returning player, there’s little chance he joins the Lions

READ | YOU COULD OWN NEWLANDS! SA’S OLDEST STADIUM IS UP FOR SALE