Jacques du Toit: From Scrum to Strategy
From rugby fields to digital strategy – former professional player Jacques du Toit now leads Leap Digital, a creative agency built on transparency, performance and purpose.
After years of putting his body on the line in the professional rugby arena, former Toyota Cheetahs and Bath Rugby hooker Jacques du Toit has made a seamless transition to entrepreneurship, this time with a different kind of playbook. Today, he leads Leap Digital, a dynamic creative agency built on transparency, trust and performance.
Jacques’ rugby journey began at Grey College, a school that’s produced some of South Africa’s finest talent. The drive to play for the school’s prestigious 1st XV team lit the first fire, eventually propelling him into a professional career that included highlights like representing the SA Under-20 team, lifting the Currie Cup twice (2016 and 2019) and fulfilling a long-time dream of playing in the English Premiership with Bath Rugby.
Despite still being in strong physical condition and full of motivation, Jacques made the call to step away from professional rugby during a challenging season in Italy. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but it was the right one for his family. “It wasn’t about my body giving in or losing the drive, it was about being where we felt we needed to be in this season of our lives,” he explains.
The shift away from the game came with unexpected challenges. “You stop playing at 30 and suddenly you’re not part of the rugby bubble anymore,” Jacques reflects. The loss of daily structure and connection hit hard, but support from his wife and close friends like Jan Uys helped him stay grounded and navigate the emotional side of the transition.
That season of change planted the seed for Leap Digital. Inspired by his wife’s work in digital marketing and motivated by a desire to build something meaningful, Jacques took a leap of faith, quite literally. “We started chatting about how we could combine our strengths… It really was a leap of faith. That’s actually where the name came from,” he says.
Today, Leap Digital helps businesses shift from traditional to digital marketing through services like high-converting websites and focused ad campaigns. Their flagship offer is a two-week sprint that delivers fast, measurable momentum. With Jacques at the helm leading web and paid advertising strategies, backed by his Google Marketing certification, the agency stands out through global-level standards and a no-nonsense approach to results.
Jacques credits rugby for shaping his leadership style. “Teamwork isn’t something I have to think about, it’s part of who I am,” he says. “Just like you would study an opponent before a big match, I study the industry my clients are in… That’s how we help them get over the try line.”
Starting a new career in a different industry wasn’t without its hurdles. Rebranding himself as a digital marketer was one of the biggest mental shifts. “That identity change isn’t easy,” he admits. But support from programmes like MyPlayers’ Beyond the Game and platforms like LinkedIn helped accelerate his growth and connect him with a new network of professionals.
While Jacques holds formal qualifications, including a BCom Law degree and Google certifications, he believes humility and curiosity are the most valuable assets in any field. “I’m a firm believer in speaking last. I’d rather listen, take it in and figure out how to apply it.”
From front-row battles to front-end builds, Jacques du Toit continues to make an impact, this time through strategy, design and a drive to help others build something lasting. His journey is proof that while the jersey may come off, the mindset of a professional athlete can thrive long after the final whistle.
Leap Digital is a MyPlayers benefit partner, members can learn more about this benefit on the MyPlayers app.
