Thomas du Toit, a former Bath prop, reflects on his time at the club, praising the 'incredible growth' he and his teammates experienced under head coach Johann van Graan. This growth, he argues, was a result of the coaches' ability to recognize and nurture individual talents, allowing players to break free from preconceived molds.
Du Toit's journey to Bath began with the arrival of van Graan in the 2022-2023 season. The South African coach's vision and leadership resonated with du Toit, who saw the potential for a fresh start and a chance to evolve as a player and a person. This decision proved fruitful, as Bath's success in the 2025-2026 season, marked by a treble of the Premiership Rugby Cup, European Challenge Cup, and the Premiership title, showcased the team's growth and cohesion.
One of du Toit's most memorable performances came in a thrilling 24-22 Prem victory over the Leicester Tigers, where he scored a hat-trick. This achievement, he humorously notes, was a result of van Graan's coaching, which has seemingly transformed him into a natural try-scorer. Despite the success, du Toit's decision to leave Bath was announced in October 2025, a choice he made after much deliberation and with the well-being of his family in mind.
The 31-year-old's departure is bittersweet, as he acknowledges the many lessons learned and the relationships formed during his time at the club. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to grow and develop, both on and off the field, and looks forward to bringing these experiences back to his former club, The Sharks. Du Toit's departure is a testament to the transformative power of coaching and the importance of personal and professional growth in the world of rugby.
