Damian Willemse commits long-term future to the Stormers

The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension.

Oct 1, 2022 - 11:15
1114
Damian Willemse commits long-term future to the Stormers

The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension with Western Province Rugby.

PICTURE | SPRINGBOK LUKHANYO AM UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

The new deal will keep the hugely talented Willemse in a Stormers jersey – and on South African soil – until at least 2027.

Willemse made his Stormers debut as a precocious talent at the age of 18 back in 2017, but it’s in the last year or two that he has really made a name for himself as one of the brightest talents in the South African game.

ALSO READ | JURIE ROUX OUT BY THE END OF 2022

The 24-year-old was a key figure for the Stormers in their victorious URC campaign last season and has also been one of the star performers for the Springboks in 2022, able to play at flyhalf, centre and fullback.

Damian Willemse ‘delighted’

“We have always known the potential of a player like Damian who has all the talent in the world,” said Stormers head coach John Dobson.

“To have seen him develop over the last five years into the ultimate professional has been a privilege, and we are so glad that he has chosen to remain loyal to the only team he has ever played for.

“Damian has such a big impact on those around him and that influence will only grow over the next five years as we look to take this team to even greater heights,” he said.

READ | NIGEL OWENS WANTS 3 LAWS CHANGED TO SAVE RUGBY FROM BECOMING A JOKE

Willemse said he was delighted to commit to the team he grew up supporting.

“Playing for the Stormers has always meant a lot to me, so I am very happy to know that I will be around for what will be a very bright future.

“The players and management here continually push each other to raise standards and I’m glad to know that I will be a part of that for the next five years,” he said.