Thomas du Toit, the formidable tighthead prop for Bath and the Springboks, is making headlines as he reportedly shuns a staggering offer from a French club to return to his roots in South Africa. Meanwhile, Springboks rookie Marnus van der Merwe is stirring up a bidding frenzy as his contract with the Welsh club Scarlets nears its end.
Du Toit, pivotal in Bath’s recent Premiership triumph, has dismissed what insiders have dubbed "one of the largest salaries any Bok would earn in Europe" from Bordeaux, opting instead for a nostalgic return to the Sharks, motivated by a desire to be closer to his family. Despite Bath's keen interest in retaining him, it appears the 30-year-old’s heart is set on Durban, where he previously served as captain. "It’s always tough to turn down such a lucrative offer, but home is where the heart is," said Du Toit, whose departure from Bath is timed with the end of his contract this season.
Complicating matters at the Sharks, Vincent Koch, another Springboks prop, is at a contract crossroads, with no clear indication of an extension as of yet.
"The decision to leave was difficult, but I am excited to return to where my professional journey began," Du Toit remarked on his move.
On another front, competition heats up for Marnus van der Merwe. The hooker, recently capped by the Springboks and a key player in their Rugby Championship title defense, is being eyed by European powerhouses Munster and Clermont. However, the Sharks hope to secure his talents as they prepare for the eventual phasing out of veteran Bongi Mbonambi. With young prospects like Bryce Calvert and Ethan Bester waiting in the wings, and new additions Fez Mbatha and Eduan Swart rounding out the hooker roster, Van der Merwe’s experience could be crucial.
Vying against international interest, Munster has been particularly persistent, despite previous blocks by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). With David Humphreys now at the helm as the union’s performance director, the Irish giants might finally get their man.
As the rugby world watches, these movements could signal significant shifts in team dynamics and player careers, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of professional rugby transfers.
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Thomas du Toit, the formidable tighthead prop for Bath and the Springboks, is making headlines as he reportedly shuns a staggering offer from a French club to return to his roots in South Africa. Meanwhile, Springboks rookie Marnus van der Merwe is stirring up a bidding frenzy as his contract with the Welsh club Scarlets nears its end.
Du Toit, pivotal in Bath’s recent Premiership triumph, has dismissed what insiders have dubbed "one of the largest salaries any Bok would earn in Europe" from Bordeaux, opting instead for a nostalgic return to the Sharks, motivated by a desire to be closer to his family. Despite Bath's keen interest in retaining him, it appears the 30-year-old’s heart is set on Durban, where he previously served as captain. "It’s always tough to turn down such a lucrative offer, but home is where the heart is," said Du Toit, whose departure from Bath is timed with the end of his contract this season.
Complicating matters at the Sharks, Vincent Koch, another Springboks prop, is at a contract crossroads, with no clear indication of an extension as of yet.
"The decision to leave was difficult, but I am excited to return to where my professional journey began," Du Toit remarked on his move.
On another front, competition heats up for Marnus van der Merwe. The hooker, recently capped by the Springboks and a key player in their Rugby Championship title defense, is being eyed by European powerhouses Munster and Clermont. However, the Sharks hope to secure his talents as they prepare for the eventual phasing out of veteran Bongi Mbonambi. With young prospects like Bryce Calvert and Ethan Bester waiting in the wings, and new additions Fez Mbatha and Eduan Swart rounding out the hooker roster, Van der Merwe’s experience could be crucial.
Vying against international interest, Munster has been particularly persistent, despite previous blocks by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). With David Humphreys now at the helm as the union’s performance director, the Irish giants might finally get their man.
As the rugby world watches, these movements could signal significant shifts in team dynamics and player careers, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of professional rugby transfers.