THE only South African to have played for Warrington Wolves has died.

Toby du Toit, who was one of Alex Murphy's first signings for the club in 1971, suffered a stroke and died at home in Johannesburg, aged 76, last month.

Warrington Wolves have sent their deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and added in a statement: "A true gentleman, Tobias du Toit will be sadly missed by those that knew him."

Warrington Guardian:

The winger made many friends in his short time with the club, and will be known from his time working at Lockers and as a member of Warrington Golf Club.

In total, he made 30 appearances for Warrington, scoring 15 tries and 27 goals in the process.

His debut came on the left wing in a 13-6 win at Hunslet on December 19, 1971, while his last appearance came in the same position on November 5, 1972, when he signed off with a try in a 34-16 home win against York.

Warrington Guardian:

He arrived at Wilderspool as a 26 year-old former policemen from Hopetown in South Africa.

Du Toit 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 legendary St Helens South African winger Tom Van Vollenhoven.

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

The highlight of the season was reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens in which du Toit scored a try and kicked a goal.

Saints won the replay 10-6, with The Wire’s Geoff Clarkson receiving his marching orders and du Toit's two goals not being enough to see his side reach Wembley.

He struggled to hold down a first-team place the following season, new signing Denis Curling taking over on the wing.

While with Warrington, he worked as a trainee engineering manager for Lockers under the Warrington director Brian Pitchford.

When he returned to South Africa to live in Johannesburg he worked for sports company Patrick before branching out and setting up his own sports clothing company.

He worked closely with schools to ensure that the kids had good quality kit in which to play sport.

Du Toit was a tall athletic man, who loved his sport. He was a golf fanatic and in his younger days he also played cricket and tennis.

He never forgot his time in Warrington, watching Wolves when they were on television and he still has friends in Stockton Heath.