South African · Cape Town, South Africa · Born 20 August 1992Pieter-Steph du Toit is a versatile lock/flanker who has twice been named World Rugby's Player of the Year and won back-to-back World Cups with the Springboks.
Pieter Stephanus du Toit was born on 20 August 1992 in Cape Town, South Africa, the grandson of Piet du Toit, a Springbok prop who played for South Africa in the late 1950s, and brother of fellow professional Johan du Toit. He attended Hoërskool Swartland in Malmesbury before progressing through the Sharks' youth system. Du Toit made his senior debut for the Sharks in 2012 before moving to the Stormers in 2016, developing into one of the most versatile and complete forwards in world rugby, capable of playing lock, flanker, or number eight with equal effectiveness. His combination of towering height, relentless work rate, and try-saving tackling made him a defining figure of Rassie Erasmus's Springbok side. Du Toit was named World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year in 2019, the same year he helped South Africa win the World Cup, and was named Man of the Match in the 2023 final against New Zealand as the Springboks became back-to-back champions, winning the award for a second time that year. He and All Blacks great Beauden Barrett are the only players other than Dan Carter and Richie McCaw to win the honour twice. Du Toit moved to Japan's Toyota Verblitz in 2022, continuing to represent South Africa while playing his club rugby in the Japan Rugby League One, and remains widely regarded as one of the finest all-around forwards of his generation, renowned above all for his extraordinary defensive workload in every match he plays.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, two-time World Cup winner with South Africa
How They Played
Du Toit is renowned for his exceptional work rate, covering enormous ground during matches and making crucial tackles and turnovers. His lineout skills are outstanding, often functioning as a primary jumper, while his ball-handling abilities and offloading game add significant value in attack. He combines the traditional qualities of a flanker with modern athletic prowess, making him effective in both the tight loose and open field play.
Lasting Impact
Du Toit has redefined the modern flanker position through his incredible athleticism and work ethic, setting new standards for loose forward play in international rugby.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 2019 & 2023
- World Rugby Player of the Year 2019 & 2024
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormers | 2013–2024 | — | 0 | #6 |
 South Africa | — | 75 | — | — |
South African Athletes