Thomas du Toit: Proud of ‘incredible growth’ as he departs Bath

Reflecting on the reasons why he chose to come to Bath in the first place, Du Toit points to the arrival of fellow South African, Head coach Johann van Graan the prevous season in 2022-2023.

“The way he spoke about the club, and what he wanted to achieve made us really believe in what he wanted to do.”

“The reality is we needed a change from The Sharks. We as a family wanted to try something different so we didnt’ remain stagnant, and grow and learn and become close as a family.

“Bath ticked all those boxes, and I’m very grateful that we made that decision. Life outside of the rugby has been amazing. Johann has done such a good job getting the right people here.”

The 31 year-old kept arguably his most memorable Bath performance for his penultimate game, scoring a hatrick in June’s thrilling 24-22 Prem victory over Leicester Tigers.

He jokes that van Graan’s coaching team have almost turned him into a natural try-scorer: “It was wierd. I was speaking to Bernard van der Linde (Bath scrum-half) before the game.

“I’d scored in three games in a row, but never a hatrick. Afterwards he was laughing when I had done it. Interesting, but wierd.”

Du Toit’s decision to leave was announced in October 2025, giving everyone time to come to terms with the news, and see him off in style last Saturday.

He says he’s still sure he’s doing the right thing: “I had a lot of conversations with alot of people around me, including Johann. I asked him to advise me as a friend and not a coach.

“Ultimately, selfishly I’m doing it for both myself and my family. I want that relationship for myself and my kids with grand parents, and I want to be closer ro my family and friends.

“There’s going to be a lot that I’m going to miss, and I don’t think there will be anything like it, but hopefully I’m going to take the feeling and the stuff I’ve learnt here [in Bath] back with me.”