Springbok tight-head prop Thomas du Toit is set to leave the Cell C Sharks and join English side Bath after this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Four years ago, Du Toit was a member of the Springboks team that won the World Cup in Japan. Since his Test debut in 2018, he has been capped 15 times.

Since 2014, the 27-year-old has played for the South African team the Sharks and captained the Durban-based squad.

“He is a world-class operator at scrum time,” Bath’s head of rugby Johann van Graan said of compatriot Du Toit.

“There are not many players in the world who can play on both sides of the scrum to an international standard, maintain control and have destructive power.

“He is another player we have added to our squad who also possesses fantastic carrying ability to get his side over the gainline.”

Du Toit added: “When I spoke to Johann and heard his vision for Bath, I was excited and knew it was the place I wanted to be.”

Bath have already signed Scotland fly-half Finn Russell for next season, with the 30-year-old also arriving after the World Cup.

They are currently at the bottom of the Premiership table, but relegation has been suspended, so they will remain among the elite English clubs.

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