Springboks: Bath sign ‘world-class’ Du Toit while Koch heads to the Sharks

Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok props Thomas du Toit and Vincent Koch have confirmed their futures for next season, signing with Bath and the Sharks respectively.

Du Toit will leave the Sharks to join Bath in the Premiership, while Koch will fill his vacancy at the Durban-based side after departing Stade Francais.

Bath sign Thomas du Toit

“Thomas is a winner. He has experience of winning at the highest level, having reached the pinnacle of world rugby with the Springboks,” Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said of his new signing.

“He is a world-class operator at scrum time. 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 gain line.

“Thomas is a fantastic leader, having been captain of the Sharks and South Africa A, and we are delighted he has chosen Bath to continue his rugby journey.”

The 15-Test cap Springbok was called up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad following an injury to Trevor Nyakane.

He adds depth to Bath’s front-row with his ability to play at loosehead and tighthead prop and will link up with the Premiership outfit after the 2023 World Cup.

Du Toit follows the signings of Alfie Barbeary, Ted Hill and Ollie Lawrence, and British and Irish Lions fly-half Finn Russell.

A new challenge

The prop has played over 100 matches for the Sharks and has captained the side. He has also been capped by the Barbarians and is a former SA Schools and u20s international.

“When I spoke to Johann and heard his vision for Bath, I was excited and knew it was the place I wanted to be,” the 27-year-old told Bath’s official website.

“I want to challenge myself and develop my game in an environment which has a desire to progress and achieve.

“Everyone talks about how iconic a place The Rec is to play at, and I’ve heard that supporters pack it out every time, which is special. I can’t wait to meet everyone and contribute to the club’s future success.”

Vincent Koch signs for the Sharks

Meanwhile, the Sharks have moved to fill the void that Du Toit leaves by recruiting his Springbok teammate Vincent Koch from Stade Francais.

The 32-year-old enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at Saracens after leaving the Stormers in 2016.

He joined Wasps ahead of the 2022/23 season but failed to make an appearance for the side before they entered administration, ultimately leading to his departure to France on a short-term deal.

Koch has been capped 41 times for the Springboks and was a member of the renowned ‘Bomb Squad’ that helped lift the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

He also featured in two of three British and Irish Lions Series matches in 2021.

Koch is a massive boost to the Sharks front row stocks, with reports stating that fellow tighthead Carlu Sadie will join Du Toit in leaving the URC side. Sadie is believed to have signed with Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles following current Sharks coach Yannick Bru who will take charge of the side next season.