Next move, SA? Bok star Willie le Roux says goodbye to Japanese club

Springbok fullback Willie le Roux has announced his departure from Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.

The World Cup winner joined Toyota Verblitz in 2019 after a two-year stint at English club Wasps (2017-2019).

"I'd like to thank the staff and my team mates for an epic 4 years and, to our wonderful fans for always being so supportive. I appreciate the opportunity to have represented such a great team, Arigato @toyotaverblitz," Le Roux wrote on Twitter.

I’d like to thank the staff and my team mates for an epic 4 years and, to our wonderful fans for always being so supportive. I appreciate the opportunity to have represented such a great team, Arigato @toyotaverblitz ???? pic.twitter.com/9BFKuiq1ke

The 33-year-old, who has played 82 Tests for the Springboks, did not indicate his next destination.

There have been rumours that he may return to South Africa to play for the Stormers, but nothing is confirmed as of yet. Le Roux has a house in the Western Cape, so it might be viable for him to finish his career closer to home.

READ | Major League Rugby 'investigating' Pote Human slap incident

Le Roux, who was schooled at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, first made his mark in professional rugby at the Boland Cavaliers (2010-2011) before moving to the Cheetahs. He played for the Cheetahs in Super Rugby between 2012 and 2015, while he also played Currie Cup rugby for Griquas in 2012-2013.

His first stint in Japan was at the Canon Eagles (2015-2017), while he represented the Sharks in 2016 before joining Wasps in England the following year.