Perhaps it’s time to reassess the sheer magnitude of Pieter-Steph du Toit’s decision to remain with the Stormers at the expense of a whopping R75 million three-year deal from Montpellier.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The reigning World Player of the Year was recently offered the chance to become the world’s highest-paid player too, with the Top 14 giants clearly looking to add to their star-studded squad with the recruitment of the best blindside on the planet.
The money on offer here would change the life of virtually anyone, not least the 27-year-old du Toit.
A rugby player’s career can be ended in an instant. Considering the Hoërskool Swartland product has already suffered several injury setbacks in the past – including narrowly escaping leg amputation following complications from a haematoma on his left thigh earlier this year – cashing in would be totally understandable.
Hell, du Toit has already bagged three SA Player of the Year awards, a Currie Cup title with the Sharks, a Rugby Championship title, a World Cup crown and even captained the Boks on one occasion.
His legacy is already secure. But with many playing days still ahead, his best is yet to come.
Du Toit’s humble and unassuming nature has led many to liken him to two other great modern-day Bok No 7s in Andre Venter and Juan Smith.
Social media stardom isn’t on du Toit’s radar. All he seems to care about is marauding opposition teams for 80-minutes every Saturday, heart proudly and clearly on sleeve (who would ever forget his outpour of emotion following that Wellington win over the All Blacks in 2018?).
Grandson of legendary Springbok prop Piet “Spiere” du Toit, Pieter-Steph is the quintessential rugby romantic. No amount of dough could prevent him from facing the British & Irish Lions in the colours of the Stormers next year.
In a time when the financial security of so many has never been more uncertain following the devastation wreaked by the Covid-19 epidemic, du Toit is an absolute credit to the game.
Put it this way: For people like Du Toit, not even the promise of R500 000 a week can buy what truly matters.
