Another Springbok star returning to South Africa

For so long, South African rugby fans have become accustomed to seeing top players opting to head overseas, often to take up lucrative contracts abroad.

However, there has been a recent spate of ‘reverse exodus’ signings as top Springbok stars continue to announce they will be heading back to South Africa.

Flyhalf Manie Libbok (joining the Sharks in 2027), hooker Malcolm Marx and loose forward Kwagga Smith (both heading to the Bulls) have all recently confirmed that they will be leaving Japan to come back to South Africa.

Another Springbok coming home

In the latest bit of news, Springbok loose forward and two-time World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit has now also been granted an early release by Toyota Verblitz.

“Toyota Verblitz and the people of Japan have been incredibly kind and welcoming to our family,” Du Toit stated.

“I would like to sincerely thank the club’s management for enabling our family to stay together during our time in Japan.

“I shared with the management that I did not want to be separated from my family and travel back and forth between Japan and South Africa during the upcoming season.

“They were understanding of my situation and kindly agreed to an early release from my contract.”

Marx and Libbok moves confirmed this week

In confirming his return to the Sharks this week, Libbok said he wants to be part of what is being built at the Sharks.

“For this next chapter of my career, there is no club I would rather be joining than the Sharks. This is an iconic club with a proud history, there’s real excitement about the future, and I want to be part of what’s being built here.

“When I chatted with JP (Pietersen) and heard his vision for the team, I knew straight away that there’s something special developing here, and I want to be part of it. You can feel the new energy and the culture building, and this is a club that isn’t afraid to do things differently. I’m all in.”

Meanwhile, Marx said this week that he was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Bulls next season.

“It is an exciting new chapter for me, and I look forward to reconnecting and working alongside former teammates and coaches. I am eager to contribute wherever I can, bring and play my part in helping the Bulls achieve their goals and ambitions. I look forward to the journey ahead and to being part of this special club.”