"First JRLO Player" – Japan League Chairman Congratulates Pieter-Steph du Toit's after winning World Rugby Player of the Year
Today at 08:21 AM
By JRLO Media
Springbok forward Pieter Steph du Toit's award as the World Rugby Player of the Year at Sunday's ceremony has excited those associated with Japan Rugby League One as the new season nears its December 21 kick-off.
In gaining the acknowledgment for the second time, the 32-year-old South African has achieved a new milestone for the competition, being the first person to have won the prestigious title while playing in Japan's premier tournament.
Du Toit, who is approaching his fourth season with Toyota Verblitz and has appeared for the club on 35 occasions to date, was named World Rugby Player of the Year for the first time in 2019, shortly before he joined Verblitz, following South Africa's triumph at that year's Rugby World Cup, which was hosted by Japan. He joins New Zealand's Beauden Barrett among the select group of players to have won the award twice. The All Black flyhalf enjoyed two separate stints in Japan, firstly for Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in the final edition of the Top League, before teaming up with du Toit at Aichi last year.
"Pieter's award is an amazing achievement and we, as a competition, would like to congratulate him on his success," JRLO chairman Genichi Tamatsuka said. "We are delighted for him, but not totally surprised, as the level he has maintained for Verblitz since joining our competition has been outstanding. It further highlights that how the players are managed in Japan Rugby League One is providing them with a perfect preparation for international rugby at its highest level.
This includes the elite coaching and excellence in physical and mental preparation that they receive at their clubs, as well as the carefully structured match schedule – including bye weekends – that places an emphasis on player wellbeing. The Japanese public appreciate the fact that Pieter has chosen to play his club rugby in our league, and are looking forward to seeing him, as well as all of the other international stars, in the new season."
The fourth edition will see Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo attempt to defend its title after last season becoming the competition's third separate champion. "Since the league started, we have seen constant growth, in terms of the level of the players who are joining us in Japan, the competitiveness amongst the teams, and in the size of the crowds coming along to see them, many of whom are new to the game," Mr. Tamatsuka explained. "We do not take their support for granted and are looking forward to providing an even better fan experience as we continue to grow as a destination for the game's elite."
The new season will see the league expand, with three new clubs joining, while the number of matches increases by 47, including an extended six-team finals series in Division One. The League's pursuit of a nationwide footprint also continues, with the Tochigi, Yamanashi, and Kyoto administrative regions joining as match venues. They are the 27th, 28th, and 29th prefectures to host matches, with the league now embedded in more than half of the country’s 47 organisational districts.
"Expanding the reach and engagement of the game was a key goal when Japan Rugby League One was inaugurated and we are working hard to continue to develop rugby as a game for all Japanese to enjoy in person, regardless of where they live in Japan," Mr. Tamatsuka said. "Likewise, we are continuing to strive to grow our global audience, through the television and online streaming mediums."
The pulling power of the international stars and coaches has played its part, and 2024-25 will be no different, with du Toit among 11 current or recent Springbok stars who will feature, alongside 14 All Blacks. Test players from Scotland, Wales, Australia, Argentina, Samoa, and Tonga are among the other nations represented, continuing the trend of elite players being drawn to the league. That success was highlighted by the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, where 17 of the 46 participating players from South Africa and New Zealand – including over a third of the starting members from the two sides – were either current or had formerly played club rugby in Japan.
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