Ben du Toit
South African rugby union player
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Barend Abraham du Toit (10 November 1912 – 25 January 1989) was a South African international rugby union player.[1]
| Full name | Barend Abraham du Toit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | 10 November 1912 Malmesbury, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 25 January 1989 (aged 76) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 95.3 kg (210 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Born in Malmesbury, du Toit was educated at Paarl Boys' High School and Stellenbosch University.[2]
Originally a scrum–half, du Toit was developed into a flanker by Stellenbosch coach Oubaas Mark and was a member of the Springboks squad for their 1937 tour of Australasia, suffering a spinal injury against New South Wales which sidelined him for much of the New Zealand leg. Despite receiving advice that he risked paralysis, du Toit returned to the field for a tour match at Blenheim and also featured in their win over Ranfurly Shield holders Southland.[3]
In 1938, du Toit was capped in three home Test matches against the British Lions.[2]