Springbok stalwart Pieter-Steph du Toit back in training after injury layoff

Initially ruled out for the entire Japan League One season by head coach Steve Hansen, the 32-year-old's return comes as a boost for Verblitz, who are currently battling near the bottom of the table.

Despite the addition of Michael Hooper to cover Du Toit's absence, the team remains in danger of facing relegation playoffs.

A video shared by RugbyJP.com showed Du Toit's return to the team room, where he was warmly welcomed by Hansen before addressing his teammates.

However, with just two rounds left, Verblitz have yet to officially re-register him to play.

The two-time World Cup winner last featured in November and is now racing to regain match fitness ahead of South Africa's opening fixture of the year against the Barbarians on 28 June.

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