Springboks legend Willie le Roux is set to take the next step in his decorated career, as he has announced his exit from Toyota Verblitz. The versatile back-three player has been playing in Japan for the past four seasons, after leaving Wasps in 2019.
Willie le Roux arrived for his second stint in Japan after the 2019 Rugby World Cup, as he started in the Springboks triumphant final victory over England. Le Roux’s first sabbatical to the Japan Rugby League One saw him sign with the Yokohama Canon Eagles, for a two year tenure from 2015 to 2017.
Le Roux’s second time to Japan took him to Tokyo, was the latest stop on his globetrotting career. The 33-year-old has also previously featured in the Premiership with Wasps, the Currie Cup with the Griquas, and in Super Rugby with the Sharks and Cheetahs.
Le Roux’s immediate future remains uncertain, yet the decorated Springbok would be a welcomed asset to whichever team he decides to next venture to. Le Roux would be snapped up by any of the Premiership sides, as would any top club based in his homeland, who are now competing in the Northern Hemisphere’s United Rugby Championship.
Le Roux has played 82 Tests for the Springboks, and a move home has been rumoured in the past. He has been previously linked with a transfer to the DHL Stormers, and Le Roux reportedly has a house in the Western Cape. This would allow Le Roux to live closer to home if he joined the Cape Town side.