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Springbok fullback Damian Willemse has confirmed his return to the Stormers in March of the upcoming year.
During a conversation with PremierSports in England from the sidelines on Saturday, Willemse shared that he is currently recovering from an injury but decided to make the trip to England. The Stormers suffered a defeat against Harlequins in the Investec Champions Cup at the Stoop.
He was absent for the entire 2024 Springboks season, which comprised 13 matches and saw 11 victories, achieving a clean sweep in the November Autumn Nations Series—a first since 2013. Willie le Roux and Aphelele Fassi filled his position at fullback as le Roux sought his 100th cap.
At 26 years old, Willemse, who is also capable of playing fly-half, saw his role taken by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok, and Handré Pollard. His final appearance for the Springboks was in the Rugby World Cup final last October.
This versatile back has been sidelined since October, when he scored a try while playing inside center for the Stormers against the reigning United Rugby Championship champions, Glasgow Warriors.
Despite his absence, Willemse remains optimistic about the talent within coach John Dobson’s squad, believing they are capable of achieving remarkable success.
“There are many talented players emerging. Connor Evans is someone to watch closely, along with Jason Marshall and Jonathan Road, who is a promising addition as a center in our lineup,” Willemse stated.
“Paul de Villiers, the flanker, truly stands out as an outstanding player. Additionally, I believe Ruhan Nel is among our most exciting young prospects this year. As a whole, we have a wonderful, youthful, and dynamic team.”
Willemse has gained recognition in world rugby, particularly for his daring decision to call a mark during the World Cup quarter-final against France while positioned in his own 22-meter area, which significantly increased the pressure on the Springboks’ front row to secure the scrum.
This audacious strategy took many by surprise, as the Springboks sought to exploit every potential vulnerability in the host nation’s defense.
When asked about calling a mark in his own 22 prior to the match and challenging the scrum, he simply chuckled and responded, “We’ll see.”
It was a tough weekend for South African teams in the Investec Cup, as the Blue Bulls and Sharks also faced defeats on Saturday.
