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Springbok loose forward Pieter-Steph du Toit’s move to French rugby club Toulon has reportedly fallen through due to his high price tag.
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L’Equipe report that the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year was in discussions with the club, but Toulon have apparently decided not to pursue the deal.
Du Toit, who is at the end of his contract with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, had been seen as an ideal reinforcement for Toulon’s team next season. However, his salary demands were deemed too high by the French club.
The news will come as a relief to Du Toit’s former club, the Stormers in South Africa, who may now have a chance to bring the 30-year-old back into their fold. Du Toit is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world, and his return to the Stormers would be a huge boost to the team.
Toulon has already completed the signings of several other players in the second and back rows, including English international David Ribbans, and French players Selevasio Tolofua and Yannick Youyoutte from Stade Toulousain.
Several players in Toulon’s forward pack are also at the end of their contracts, including Italian Sergio Parisse, who is expected to join the coaching staff, and Raphaël Lakafia, whose future is uncertain. Mathieu Bastareaud has yet to decide whether he will return to Toulon as a player or retire from playing professional rugby altogether to continue his burgeoning coaching career with the club.
Du Toit’s future now remains uncertain, but it is clear that his services will be in high demand. With his impressive skillset and experience, he will be a valuable asset to any team fortunate enough to secure his signature.
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Against that, du Toit – who has won 61 caps for the Spingboks – has suffered his fair share of injuries, with one leg injury so severe that the doctors had spoken about the possibility of amputation.
