‘Hands off’ says internet as Irish club shows interest in services of Bok Damian Willemse

by Sergio Miller

After winning back-to-back rugby World Cup trophies, it seems that the demand to have South African players ply their trade at foreign clubs is increasing now more than ever. 

South African rugby has now officially cemented the attention of the rest of the world as players are no longer opting to play abroad at times when they are moving towards retirement as in the past, but now more and more are playing at clubs in various parts of Europe and Asia while still at the peak of their career. 

After recently securing the services of Springbok RG Snyman with a contract extension, reports have been circulating that the Irish club, Leinster, is now also looking to lure the youngest double World Cup winner, Damian Willemse, to Dublin. 

At just 26 years old, the former Paul Roos Gimnasium pupil has been a core part of the Cape Town franchise, the Stormers, as well as Western Province rugby. In 2019, he briefly played at Saracens in England before joining the Boks to win their third trophy when the tournament was hosted in Japan. However, as of 2023, he has officially cemented his role as a senior member of the team to win a record fourth Rugby World Cup. 

With some of his accolades including winning a Currie Cup, United Rugby Championship, British and Irish Lions Series (2021), and two World Cups, Damian prides himself on his versatility and ability to alternate between playing positions 10, 12, and 15 – which makes it easy to understand why he would be a valuable asset to many clubs.

However, according to the Afrikaans publication Rapport, his current club, the Stormers, have made it clear that they are not willing to let one of their star players leave. 

Stormers fans have also added their opinions on the possibility of having the 26-year-old snatched. 

“Keep him in the province jersey,” wrote one user. 

Another reflected on the success of the Stormers with Damian involved, adding: “If you were Stormers, would you let such cream leave your house knowing that U still want to win more?” 

Also see: Ever wondered what Springboks do outside of rugby? Here are some players with side hustles