Pieter-Steph du Toit

Pieter-Steph du Toit is a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, known for his relentless work rate and significant contributions to the South African national rugby team. After securing victory with the South Africa Under 20 team at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship, Pieter-Steph du Toit went on to make his professional debut with the Sharks, playing for the club from 2012 to 2015. His impressive early career quickly led to his highly anticipated debut for the South Africa national team against Wales in Cardiff on November 9, 2013. Du Toit swiftly established himself as a consistent and formidable presence for the Springboks, contributing significantly to their campaign in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

His individual brilliance throughout the tournament was further acknowledged when he was named the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year in the same year, solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite. In 2022, he expanded his global footprint by moving to Toyota Verblitz in Japan, where he continued to deliver high-impact performances on the international stage. His unparalleled skill and dedication were again celebrated in 2023, when Du Toit delivered a career-defining performance as Man of the Match in the Rugby World Cup final, notably making an extraordinary 28 tackles against New Zealand. This monumental effort propelled the Springboks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup title.

His consistent excellence was recognized for a second time in 2024, when he earned the distinguished World Rugby Player of the Year award, a testament to his enduring dominance. The same year, he was also honored with a coveted spot on the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year.