PSDT back to tackle Barbarians?

Springbok powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit could be raring to go for the start of the world champions’ 2025 season following a spell on the sidelines due to shoulder surgery.

According to RugbyJP.com, the World Rugby Player of the Year is set for a return to action with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz in April.

Du Toit underwent surgery in January, with Verblitz head coach Steve Hansen initially ruling him out for the entire Japan League One season. However, the latest report suggests the 32-year-old may be re-registered by Verblitz for the playoffs.

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The two-time World Cup winner has not played since November, finishing 2024 with nine starts and four tries in 13 Tests. 

Du Toit’s expected return for Verblitz would give him roughly two months to regain full fitness before South Africa’s first match of the year, a friendly against the Barbarians on 28 June.

Verblitz, currently second from bottom in League One, are fighting to avoid the relegation playoffs despite having drafted in Michael Hooper to bolster the back row in Du Toit’s absence. 

League rules stipulate that only three internationally capped players be included in a match-day 23, so Hansen and assistant coach Ian Foster will have to decide between Du Toit, Richie Gray, Aaron Smith and Hooper.

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