Utility back Damian Willemse will run out in his 100th match for the Stormers when they take on the Dragons in a United Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
Image: BackpagePix
Damian Willemse, the face of the backline for the Stormers, once faced a pivotal crossroads in his career: to leave his home team amidst financial struggles or to stay true to the region that nurtured his rugby dreams.
With great foresight and an unwavering commitment to the Cape side, he chose to remain with them, even when challenges loomed on the horizon.
At a time when the team was struggling to keep its footing, Willemse’s decision proved to be a catalyst for the revitalisation of the Stormers. Under the guidance of then-coach John Dobson, he not only represented the essence of running rugby - something synonymous with the Western Cape - but also inspired a generation of players and fans alike, including his current captain Salmaan Moerat.
Accompanied by stalwarts like Springboks Frans Malherbe, the retired Steven Kitshoff, loose forward Deon Fourie, and Moerat, Willemse became part of a formidable backbone for the Stormers. Together, they spearheaded a revival, helping the team navigate the tumultuous waters of losing experienced players while still aiming for greatness.
Willemse’s dedication and hard work were rewarded when the Stormers achieved a historic milestone by clinching the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC) title. This victory was not merely a trophy for the cabinet but the culmination of loyalty, teamwork, and a shared vision for success.
Dobson, now director of rugby at the Stormers, praised Willemse (27) for his unwavering loyalty to the team on the eve of his 100th cap.
“Damian made a massive statement; he was offered a lot of money elsewhere.
“He stayed loyal because he grew up in a backyard in Strand, playing garden rugby in the blue and whites, playing for the (WP) under-13s at Grant Khomo. The blue and white jersey means a lot to him.
“If we had lost him, given his background, I think we would’ve struggled. And I know he was under a lot of pressure to move and stood up to it. That story is so powerful to me,” Dobson added.
Willemse was courted by the Bulls and nearly left the region to join them but decided to keep his roots grounded in the province.
“I am not sure many people understand how much pressure he was under to move. We know what we have in Damian Willemse, I don’t think the world knows. He is a generational player and I’ve worked with him since 2017.
“Other than the flash, he is the most professional guy and spends the most time on Hudl (an online coaching tool) competitively. He flew himself at his own cost when we took a weakened team for a Champions Cup game (to England). He did all the analysis on the defence of Harlequins.
“I think he is a guy who walks into any rugby team in the world. By the age of 25, he’s won two World Cups. He’s just a treasure. The professionalism, standard, and quality.
“It’s special to reach 100 caps by the age of 27 years and two days. We must realise what we have in him as a world-class rugby player and human being.”
Willemse said this week he was privileged to receive the opportunity to play for the Stormers and Western Province at a young age, and it was up to him to use those chances. His franchise debut came against the Kings in 2017 when he was barely out of school, and a year later he got to wear the Green-and-Gold for the first time against Argentina in Durban.
He’s accepted his versatility as a utility player, and wherever a team needs him, whether it’s the Stormers or Springboks, he will play there to represent the side as best as he can.
“I decided to sign long-term in 2022. That was a no-brainer for me. I didn’t think twice about that decision. I’ve been working with the coaches since I was 18 years old. We have that relationship. I grew (up) under them.
“We decided then we wanted to take the union forward and bring silverware to the Stormers. Ultimately, we achieved that. The year after that, we played in the final, and that was great, but not so when we couldn’t win again.”
Moerat, who captained the Springboks in a couple of Tests, added that his close friend Willemse inspired him to work harder towards achieving his goals of representing South Africa.
The duo played age-group rugby together, but it was Willemse who shot up the ladder quicker than his captain. Moerat recalled it was a photo of Willemse and Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies after the 2019 World Cup that was his motivation.
“He was the reason I wanted to work harder and become a Springbok. I don’t think he fully understands the influence he has on other players around him. I know he mentioned early in the week that it’s not just for himself but the broader community and people that’s been there before.
“He said it so beautifully and I won’t do it justice. But he has changed the perspective around coloured rugby players if I can put it that way. He will be one of the greatest coloured rugby players if not one of the greatest rugby players to have played the game.
“For him to touch on the history our country has, especially our province, was really beautiful. He is a remarkable human being.”
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