Du Toit holding out for new deal

Next year’s British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa seems to be a silver lining that could keep Springbok star and 2019 World Rugby Player-of-the-Year Pieter-Steph du Toit in the Western Cape.

There had been conflicting reports over the past week after Du Toit, who has 55 Bok caps and 77 Super Rugby matches behind him (27 for the Sharks and 50 for the Stormers), declined a R75m offer from French club Montpellier to remain with the Stormers.

But in a subsequent twist, Du Toit apparently made a u-turn and tore up his contract during a 21-day cost-saving window which allowed local players to exit existing deals.

According to News24, however, the 27-year-old Du Toit was set to remain in the Cape if certain amendments were made in a revised contract.

Though he desperately wanted to play against the Lions next year, Du Toit also wanted to negotiate a new deal after the home Tests.

The Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) confirmed there were three players – Du Toit, lock Cobus Wiese and flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis – who had submitted termination notices before the transfer deadline on 14 May.

“As previously indicated by WP Rugby, the existing contracts between the players and the company are considered to be binding,” the WPRU said in a statement at the weekend.

“WP Rugby has reserved the right to hold players to these contracts or exercise other rights that may be held.”

These options would be discussed with the players who had cancelled their contracts, according to the provincial body.

Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, WP Rugby had revealed that it would be bidding farewell to prop Wilco Louw and fullback Dillyn Leyds, two players who had both reached agreements with European clubs and were due to leave at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.