Pieter-Steph du Toit’s recovery from shoulder surgery could leave the Springbok star with roughly a month to prepare for the start of the world champions’ 2025 Test calendar year.

The 32-year-old utility forward, who last year became the first South African to win the World Rugby Player of the Year twice, revealed ongoing shoulder concerns in a Rugby365 interview before the close of 2024.

Now, the two-time World Cup winner is set to miss the entire Japan League One season after going under the knife, according to Verblitz head coach Steve Hansen.

Du Toit, sidelined since November, is unlikely to return before the Japanese club season ends in May. Verblitz’s last group match is on 10 May, with playoffs wrapping up later that month.

“Big Piet’s not here at the moment, he hurt his shoulder in the November series, so he just went under the knife on Friday,” Hansen was quoted by Sport Nation’s Beaver & Guy. 

“He could be out for the whole season, so it’s a bit disappointing. He’s a wonderful, wonderful human being, Pieter-Steph du Toit.

“He’s a gentle giant off the field and such a competitor on it, so I’ve got a lot of time for him. A good man.”

Du Toit’s recovery timeline means he could be cleared for Springbok duty from June – South Africa hosts Italy on 5 and 12 July before a clash against Georgia on 19 July.

However, his lack of match fitness and conditioning due to extended inactivity may hinder his readiness for international competition.