'I’m extremely hungry for an opportunity' - ex-Toshiba back Stephanus du Toit
Former Toshiba Brave Lupus utility-back Stephanus du Toit has returned to his native South Africa while plotting his next opportunity in the game after becoming a free agent in June, five months after making his League One debut.
The 25-year-old's talent was nurtured at the world-renowned Paarl Gymnasium High School which has produced a conveyor belt of South African legends including Schalk Burger, Jean De Villiers and Handré Pollard.
His eye-catching displays caught the attention of a host of Japanese universities.
“While playing rugby in my final year at Paarl Gymnasium High School I was approached by the director of rugby from Ryutsu Keizai University (RKU) for a scholarship to play rugby for the University,” he told RugbyJP.com.
“At first the transition was difficult - culture, language, food and way of life were all new to me. Adapting was about keeping my head down and working hard.
“Looking back, that was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Living in Japan taught me how to adapt, communicate with people from different backgrounds and become more independent.”
From a rugby powerhouse in his homeland, he made the jump to RKU in Ibaraki and his work ethic and versatility helped him to secure a deal to join the then-reigning League One champions Toshiba.
The Fuchu outfit, who were coached at the time by ex-All Black Todd Blackadder, boasted a talent-rich squad including New Zealand stars Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell, Japan legend Michael Leitch and a fast-rising Warner Dearns.
“Moving to Toshiba was an amazing experience both on and off the field. Those two years were a defining part of my development, both as a player and as a professional.
“Being surrounded by players of that calibre showed me that high performance is built on consistency, discipline and attention to detail—not just talent. I learned what professional standards look like every day, from preparation and accountability to how you conduct yourself within a team. It raised my own standards and gave me a much clearer understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level.”
The standards set by leaders Leitch, Mo’unga and Dearns left a lasting impression on their South African recruit.
“What impressed me most was how consistent they were, regardless of whether it was a big game, a normal training day or a recovery session.
“Their standards never really dropped. They were obviously incredibly talented players, but what stood out to me was their professionalism, humility and the way they contributed to the team. Being able to train and play alongside players of that level was a privilege and something I learned a lot from.”
With a backline including Mo’unga, a heavy-hitting midfield pairing of Rob Thompson and Seta Tamanivalu and Brave Blossoms full-back Takuro Matsunaga, as well as versatile former Ospreys and Scarlets stalwart Michael Collins, the South African upstart had to bide his time for a first-team opportunity in League One.
Toshiba made history in 2025 as the first team to win back-to-back titles in the League One era as du Toit pushed to break into the two-time champions’ first team.
The breakthrough came last season in January when he made the club’s matchday 23 for the first time as they bested Malcolm Marx, Bernard Foley and Shaun Stevenson’s title contenders Kubota Spears 24-20 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo.
The 6ft 1in, 15-stone centre made his official bow in February when he replaced ex-Māori All Blacks centre Thompson as a second-half change in their narrow 44-38 loss to Pablo Matera’s Honda Heat.
Gracing the field for the first time in the star-studded League One competition was vindication for his persistence in only his second year as a professional.
“It was a feeling I can hardly describe, like a dream that came true,” he told RugbyJP.
“I was very excited for the opportunity and tried to make the most of it. It also showed me that hard work pays off. Playing alongside the team and wearing the jersey was both humbling and incredibly satisfying. The experience made me even hungrier to get back out there, keep learning and continue improving.”
Du Toit went on to make three further appearances during the 2025/2026 campaign as injury-hit Toshiba’s chaotic season ended with a sixth-place league finish and a 26-3 quarter-final loss to eventual runners-up Kubota.
He was deployed by Blackadder at inside and outside-centre and has experience playing at full-back earlier in his career.
“12 and 13 are my preferred positions, where I feel I can have the biggest impact and play to my strengths,” said du Tout.
“At the same time, I think my versatility is a big advantage. Coaches value utility backs because they offer tactical flexibility, and I’m confident in my preferred positions while always being willing to play wherever I can contribute most to the team.
“Playing different positions also gives you a completely different view of the game, which I believe is a great benefit for both myself and any team I play for.”
Du Toit was one of 12 players to leave the club this summer with Tamanivalu moving to division two side Red Hurricanes Osaka and Rugby World Cup hopefuls Mo’unga and Frizell both returning to New Zealand.
Former Crusaders head coach Blackadder - after seven years in charge and having delivered two League One titles and a play-off place amid a injury-crisis last season - has moved upstairs into a consultancy role with forwards coach Joshua Syms taking over the Toshiba hotseat.
“Leaving Toshiba was a mix of deep gratitude and bittersweet sadness,” said du Toit.
“A rugby club is not just a team; it becomes a community where you share training sessions, victories and defeats, and that creates a strong bond of brotherhood. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I had to do. I left with a lot of respect for the club, the people I worked with and the experience I gained, and it has motivated me to take the next step in my career.”
The young midfielder has received an outpouring of support and advice from his former Toshiba teammates including from the well-travelled back Collins who has plied his trade in New Zealand, Wales and Japan.
"Michael Collins was not only a great teammate but also a very good mentor to me during my time in Japan, so having his support now means a lot.
“There are also a few other people from my time in Japan who continue to support me on a daily basis, and I’m very grateful for that.
“Looking for a new club can be uncertain at times, so having people who believe in you and are willing to support you through that process makes a big difference. It also shows me that the relationships you build through rugby can go far beyond the field.”
The highly-talented du Toit has returned to his homeland to contemplate the next chapter of his career.
“I’m currently back in South Africa, looking for my next opportunity. While I’m not currently affiliated with a club, I’ve maintained a structured, solo training regime focusing on rugby specific fitness, agility and strength.”
He has youth on his side at just 25 and still sees Japan as his preferred destination to resume his top-flight career.
“At this stage of my career, Japan would definitely be my first choice.
“My time there has been an incredible experience, both personally and professionally, and I would love the opportunity to continue my career there. At the same time, I’m open to returning to South Africa or experiencing a new country and a different rugby environment if the right opportunity comes along.”
Japan-qualified du Toit opened up on what life is like as a free agent.
“It is definitely difficult, both emotionally and financially,” he said.
“When you don’t know where your next contract is going to come from, there is naturally some uncertainty and pressure, especially when rugby has been your career and your main source of income. But I try not to let that uncertainty take over.
“I focus on what I can control — staying fit, continuing to develop myself, speaking to people and looking for the right opportunity. It has taught me to be patient, resilient and to appreciate every opportunity that comes my way.”
The former League One winner shared his best attributes and what he can bring to a team as a promising young player with his best years ahead of him.
“I'm a player who is extremely hungry for another opportunity and who understands what it takes to work in a professional environment. I can offer versatility across the midfield, particularly at 12 and 13, along with physicality, work rate and a team-first mentality.
“My years in Japan have also taught me how to adapt to a different rugby culture, communicate in an international environment and maintain professional standards every day. I'm still only 25 and I believe I have a lot more to give and a lot more growth in me.
“If a club gives me an opportunity, they will get someone who is committed, coachable and prepared to work every day to earn his place and contribute to the team.”
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