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REPORT: The fight to sign the world's most wanted rugby player may be over

(Photo by Carl Fourie/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Will he stay or will he go? This is the obfuscatory question surrounding World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit. The word from Newlands is that Du Toit has decided to remain with the Stormers – reports Rugby 365’s Jan de Konig.

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However, this has not de-escalated the number of reports that he has taken up the option – as part of SA Rugby’s 21-day clause – to tear up his contract and head abroad. What adds to the anarchy and dubiety is suggestions that ‘some paperwork’ still needs to finalised to ensure Du Toit remains based in Cape Town.

Exactly what this ‘paperwork’ is, remains unclear, as Du Toit should have a valid contract in place.

Video Spacer

PSDT talks awards…

Pieter-Steph du Toit chats about being named SA’s Player of the Year for the third time in four years.

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PSDT talks awards…

Pieter-Steph du Toit chats about being named SA’s Player of the Year for the third time in four years.

Unless, of course, he did, in fact, tear up his current contract before Thursday’s midnight deadline – as prescribed in SA Rugby’s survival plan – and is now in negotiation for a new contract with the Western Province Rugby Football Union (or Stormers) and SA Rugby.

Calls to his agent, Gerrie Swart, were met with a firm: “No comment.” However, social media was awash with reports that Du Toit is, in fact, heading abroad – either France or Japan. Rugby 365 has reliably been informed that Du Toit has NOT signed a contract abroad.

“Pieter-Steph does not want to leave,” a source close to the player told this website on Saturday.

However, the uncertainty surrounding a contract in South Africa was not cleared up.

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What is certain is that the Stormers/WP have lost the services of at least two Springboks and two other high-quality players.

Springboks Dillyn Leyds (France) and Wilco Louw (England) are heading abroad.

Still to be confirmed are the departures of flank Cobus Wiese (Sale Sharks) and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis (uncertain). However, several reports have heavily linked them to moves abroad and the WPRFU/Stormers have not denied their departures.

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R
RedWarrior 33 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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