WP set to reel in big Shark

Cape Town - It appears a foregone conclusion that Pieter-Steph du Toit will join Western Province from next season.

The 22-year-old Springbok lock on Tuesday confirmed that he will leave the Sharks when his contract expires in October this year.

Media reports have linked Du Toit with a move to the Cape and according to Netwerk24, it’s merely a matter of time before Western Province announces the signing.

Du Toit thanked the Sharks for the opportunities they afforded him, but hinted that the decision was to return home to the Cape, where his family lives.

“This was the hardest decision of my life. The Sharks have always been good to me and if it was not for what the province has done for me I would never have been able to achieve from rugby what I have to date. For this, I will be forever grateful. My decision is one that has a specific focus now already for my life after rugby and also my family. Thank you to every Sharks employee and fan for the privilege I have had to be part of your family. All of you will always remain dear to me,” he said via a media statement on Tuesday.

At Western Province and the Stormers, Du Toit would form a formidable lock combination with fellow Springbok Eben Etzebeth.