According to South African newspaper Rapport, Du Toit is being linked with a move to the Boland Cavaliers.

Yes, Boland.

The Western Cape outfit, who compete outside the United Rugby Championship, are reportedly eyeing up one of the biggest recruitment coups in their history.

And they aren't stopping at Du Toit.

Fellow double World Cup winner Damian de Allende is also being linked with the Cavaliers, while veteran fullback Willie le Roux has been mentioned as another possible arrival.

That's three Springboks legends with more than 300 Test appearances between them.

Not bad for a side that doesn't even play in the URC.

However, there is a catch.

As The Citizen reports, the proposed arrangement could see Du Toit and De Allende play for Boland in the SA Cup while also representing bigger franchises in the URC.

Du Toit has been linked with a return to the Stormers, while De Allende could potentially turn out for the Bulls.

It's an unusual arrangement, but one that could suit everyone involved.

For now, though, no deals have been confirmed.

Pieter-Steph du Toit explains difficult Japan decision

Du Toit's decision to leave Toyota Verblitz wasn't about falling out with the club or chasing another contract.

It came down to family.

The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year had another season on his deal, but wanted to return to South Africa rather than spend more time away from his loved ones.

In an official statement, the Springboks star explained why he felt the time was right to leave.

He didn't want another season of travelling between Japan and South Africa while separated from his family.

Toyota agreed to release him, bringing his five-year spell in Japan to an early end.

As RUCK reported on Friday, the decision immediately raised questions about where he would play next.

Few would have had Boland near the top of their list.

Could Boland really pull this off?

On paper, it sounds ridiculous.

Du Toit, De Allende and Le Roux have spent years playing at the very top of international rugby.

Now all three are being linked with a provincial side outside the URC.

It would be like turning up to a village fête and finding Taylor Swift headlining the entertainment.

But there's a reason the move might appeal.

Du Toit and De Allende both have strong connections to the Western Cape, while the chance to spend more time at home is clearly becoming a priority.

The reported arrangement with larger franchises could also allow them to continue playing at a high level.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, neither Du Toit nor De Allende will want to disappear from Rassie Erasmus' plans.

Of course, there's still a long way to go before anyone starts ordering Boland shirts with Du Toit's name on the back.

But if the Cavaliers manage to land even one of these players, it would be a serious statement.

All three?

That would be something else entirely.

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