Springbok World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Pieter-Steph du Toit looks set to miss the 2024 awards ceremony in Monaco on Sunday.
SPRINGBOK MOST LIKELY TO SKIP AWARDS GALA
Du Toit is one of four Springboks who received recognition for their impressive and consistent performances during the 2024 season by being nominated for the World Rugby Awards.
Du Toit along with Springbok teammates Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, headline the Player of the Year category, while Bok rookie Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu was nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The awards gala will take place in Monaco on Sunday night, a day after the conclusion of the November Test internationals.
However, Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Du Toit’s non-selection for their season finale against Wales on Saturday, has led to the star flank’s premature departure from the Springbok squad.
“Pieter-Steph was already on a plane Monday,” Erasmus told reporters during press conference on Tuesday.
“He is a bit punch-drunk and he wanted to sort a few things out. He deserves a rest and there are a few others like Kwagga [Smith] as well.”
Du Toit was spotted boarding a return flight to Cape Town, and it remains to be seen if he will soon be heading to Monaco for Sunday night’s World Rugby awards.
OTHER BOK STARS WHO ALSO LEFT THE SQUAD
Erasmus has since also revealed that four players who were not included in the Springbok match-day squad returned home on Wednesday to spend time with their families before returning to their respective clubs and franchises. They are:
Kwagga Smith (loose forward)
Lukhanyo Am (centre)
Andre Esterhuizen (centre)
Makazole Mapimpi (wing)
“We gave a few players who are not playing the option to remain in camp or return home to spend quality time with their families, while at the same time ensuring that we have enough depth in the squad to cover all the positions in case we suffer injuries before the match,” the Springbok chief said.
“So, we are confident that we all well covered in the event that anything should happen before the game.”
Springbok Pieter-Steph du Toit with some special trophies. Images via Instagram @pieterstephdutoit
Springbok record against Wales:
Played 42; Won 34; Lost 7; Drawn 1; Points for: 1 112; Points against; 671; Tries scored: 131; Tries conceded: 55; Highest score: 96-13; Biggest win: 83 points; Win %: 80,9%
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