CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 23: Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit of South Africa singing the national anthems during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia at DHL Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
An overseas-based Springbok front-rower has reportedly refused one of the biggest club contracts ever, to return home and raise his young family.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 23: Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit of South Africa singing the national anthems during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia at DHL Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
According to reports, Thomas du Toit will rejoin the Sharks instead of taking up a lucrative contract with French giants Bordeaux when his current deal with English Premiership champions Bath comes to an end this season.
The prop has become an integral part of Bath’s success under former Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan since joining the club from the Sharks in 2023.
Rapport says Du Toit’s two young children and the support system he and his wife would have in Durban, are the main reasons for his decision.
Meanwhile, another Bok prop, Vincent Koch, has no plans of retiring any time soon.
His contract with the Sharks ends in June next year, but according to Rapport, he still plans to play for at least another two years.
It’s unclear however if the 35-year-old will extend his contract with the Sharks or look elsewhere
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks took things to the gutters at Twickenham on Saturday to secure back-to-back Rugby Championship titles for the first time.
Erasmus’ men had to claw their way back from 13-3 down before half time and then hold off a late Pumas surge to clinch a 29-27 win that saw them finish above the All Blacks on points difference.
“I’m satisfied with the result and winning the Rugby Championship back-to-back,” said Erasmus. “This was a massive game for us, and although it was a far from perfect performance, I would prefer to see us learn while we are winning than losing.
“We are still in a good position for the World Cup draw, but there’s no doubt we have five tough matches ahead [on the end-of-year tour] and a lot of work to do.
“The reality is that Argentina have beaten Australia, New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions, so we’ll celebrate tonight and take that positive.”
