This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
May 21, 2020 - In a surprise move, World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit has decided to stay with the Western Stormers, a South African Super Rugby club.
According to a statement from the Cape Town-based team, du Toit, a 27-year-old loose forward, had withdrawn a contract termination notification made last week.
The move comes after SA Rugby announced coronavirus-induced pay cuts for all local-based stars, giving them three weeks to choose between remaining at their clubs or moving abroad.
Despite reported interest from Montpellier in France, which offered him a 75 million rand ($4.2mn/3.9mn euros) three-year deal, and several Japanese sides, du Toit has chosen to stay with the Stormers at least until after the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in July-August 2021.
“Pieter-Steph wanted to stay at Western (Stormers) Province, he is a true team man who is integral to our plans,” said board member Andre van der Veen.
du Toit, a 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok, has represented South Africa 55 times, scoring five tries, and was first capped against Wales in 2013.
