Springboks: Pieter-Steph du Toit reveals why Japan is an attractive destination for top players

Springboks flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit has explained why Japan has become a popular destination for top international players.

Du Toit started his career with the Sharks and Stormers but made the jump to Japan following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, signing with Toyota Verblitz.

The 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year is not the only big name who is plying his trade in the Japan Rugby League One tournament, with All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith playing on the same team as Du Toit this year.

Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell and Richie Mo’unga all made the move to Japan following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while the likes of Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx and Damian de Allende moved before the tournament in France.

Bigger picture

While many question the quality of the rugby in Japan, Du Toit has revealed why he decided to head to the country instead of joining a European side, with reports at the time linking him with the likes of Montpellier and other wealthy clubs.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to come to Japan. It’s a place I have wanted to experience after coming here for the first time during the 2019 World Cup,” Du Toit told ex-Scotland lock Jim Hamilton on the Big Jim Show

“Then you’ve got to look at yourself and think about the bigger picture as well. The two seasons, the international season and the Japan Rugby League One season, are aligned and work perfectly together.

“Toyota Verblitz allow me to play for the national team, and support me 100% on where I want to go and what I want to do.

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“When I’m here, I’m committed 100% to the club, and then when I’m at the Springboks, they will support me 100% on that side as well.”

His availability to the Springboks is obviously a big draw for Du Toit, who adds that European clubs aren’t as open to releasing players for international duty.

For this reason, Rassie Erasmus may have to change the Springboks captain with Siya Kolisi not as freely available to him compared to the locally based players and those in Japan.

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Playing schedule

The less demanding playing schedule is yet another big factor for the back-rower.

“The European season is very long. It’s double the amount of games that you play in Japan, so that plays a role as well,” he added.

“You have the opportunity to play for your country as well. There might not be problems with the clubs wanting you not to play Test rugby but injuries happen and then you can’t play for this side or that side. So that all plays a role in the decision.

“But of course, financially, it plays a big role, and if you look at played minutes, Japan is a good stepping stone for furthering your career and looking after yourself. Because rugby is only a small part of your life, and your career comes to an end, and you’ve got to make sure you’re able to live after that as well.”

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