Springboks back-rower Pieter-Steph du Toit has emerged as a doubt ahead of the 2026 international season after being deregistered by Toyota Verblitz.<\/p>\n
Du Toit has sustained an undisclosed injury in Japan and will return to South Africa<\/a> to undergo surgery, Verblitz have confirmed.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a hammer blow to Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster-coached club, who head into this weekend\u2019s round of action ranked 10th overall on the Japan Rugby League One table after winning just one of their opening matches.<\/p>\n Pieter-Steph du Toit setback<\/p>\n Du Toit<\/a> has played just three times for them this campaign, the first of which was his first club game in 587 days, with the former World Rugby Player of the Year sustaining setbacks while on duty with the Springboks.<\/p>\n He last featured for the side in the clash against the Kobe Kobelco Steelers on December 27, and Verblitz have now confirmed that he has been deregistered from the playing squad to facilitate his return to South Africa.<\/p>\n \u201cIt has been confirmed that Pieter-Steph du Toit will be taking a long-term leave from Toyota Verblitz,\u201d a vague and brief statement read.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will undergo surgery for an injury in South Africa, and as a result, his league registration will be cancelled. As a team, we hope for a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cThe exact date of joining the team will be announced once it is confirmed.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony Brown reveals Scott Robertson\u2019s desperate late attempt before All Blacks sacking<\/a><\/p>\n Springboks legend: Rassie Erasmus probably the only one that can save the All Blacks<\/a><\/p>\n Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager injuries<\/p>\n