In Memory of Tobias du Toit – Heritage Number 727

Warrington Wolves are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Tobias du Toit in June. Toby suffered a stroke and passed away at home in Johannesburg at the age of 76.

Toby was one of Alex Murphy’s first signings for Warrington in 1971, made his Warrington debut on the wing in a 13-6 win over Hunslet on 19 December 1971. He kicked two goals to help his side to victory in front of a 750 crowd at Parkside.

The 26 year-old former policemen from Hopetown in South Africa is the only South African to play for Warrington. He played rugby union for Transvaal, with whom he won the 1971 Currie Cup, South African Combined Services, South Africa “B” and the South African Gazelles. He was recommended by Tom Van Vollenhoven.

After making his debut Toby was a regular in the team, not missing a match for the remainder of the 1971/2 season. He played five times in the centre, once at full-back and 18 times on the wing. Warrington only lost seven of those 24 matches as the team turned round a terrible start to the season to finish in 15^th.

He must have thought rugby league was an easy game, scoring in his first nine appearances and not being on the losing side until his 15^th appearance.

The highlight of the season was reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final when Warrington met St Helens. The sides played out a 10-10 draw at Central Park, in which du Toit scored a try and kicked a goal. 32,380 people crammed into Central Park for the replay, to witness a narrow St Helens 10-6 win, with the Wire’s Geoff Clarkson receiving his marching orders. Toby’s two goals were not enough to see his side reach Wembley.

Obituary: Tobias du Toit