Thomas du Toit hails Boks' incredible front row depth after finally joining the club

The 31-year-old was a highly regarded talent when he was coming through the age-grade system in South Africa and made his international debut in 2018, but he struggled to cement his position.

However, since joining Bath in 2023, he has become one of the best props in England and that has benefited him at the highest level.

The tighthead, who is also able to feature at loosehead, started five of the Springboks' six Rugby Championship matches in 2025 and also took the number three jersey for the big November games against France and Ireland.

He has had to battle his way to the very top with Du Toit admitting that the depth of talent has made his task even harder.

"It's every Springbok's dream to play as many games as they possibly can for the Springboks but for me it's definitely been up and down," he told The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast.

"There are loads of factors with it but the reality is I've been in this generation of Springbok players that have just been the best that South Africa has ever produced.

"I still take it as a massive compliment just being involved in the squad because I'm training with the likes of a Frans Malherbe, previously Tendai [Mtawarira].

"With all the guys that we've got now - you could name Wilco Louw, Ox [Nche] and all of them - in my opinion it's the best generation of Springboks that we've produced.

"Just being able to have my name mentioned with them is for me already big enough of a compliment."

Despite establishing himself in the Springbok team, Du Toit is not resting on his laurels, adding: "My philosophy is serving the team the best way I possibly can by working unbelievably hard. That needs to speak for itself, if it doesn't then I can't get selected.

"If I am genuinely working as hard as I can, giving everything and doing my role right, hopefully I can serve the team that way."

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