In the world of South African rugby, few players have captured the imagination quite like Damian Willemse. At just 27 years old, this versatile Springbok has already etched his name into rugby history with remarkable achievements that many players can only dream of accomplishing in an entire career.
The Basics: Age, Physical Stats & Position
Born on 7 May 1998, Damian Willemse stands as one of rugby’s most exciting young talents. Standing at 1.84 m tall (6 ft 0 in) and weighing in at 96 kg, he possesses the ideal physical attributes for modern rugby. While his regular position is fullback, he can also play as a fly-half or inside centre, making him one of the most versatile players in world rugby today.
This adaptability has become Willemse’s calling card throughout his career. His ability to seamlessly transition between positions has made him invaluable to both his club and country, earning him the reputation as the quintessential utility back who can cover multiple roles without compromising performance quality.
Early Life and Rugby Foundation
Willemse was born in Strand, a coastal town in the Western Cape known for its beautiful beaches but also challenged by socio-economic difficulties. He attended and played rugby for Paul Roos Gymnasium in nearby Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most prestigious rugby schools that has produced more Springbok players than any other institution in the country.
His schoolboy career was nothing short of spectacular. In 2014, he was selected to represent Western Province at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week held in Pretoria, where he made an immediate impact. The following year proved even more significant when he was selected in the Western Province squad for South Africa’s premier high school rugby tournament, the Under-18 Craven Week.
Professional Career Launch
From school it was straight into the DHL Stormers set-up as he joined the senior squad for pre-season straight after writing his Matric exams. He would make his DHL Stormers debut in 2017 at the age of just 18, an extraordinary achievement that highlighted his exceptional talent and maturity.
The transition from schoolboy rugby to professional level is notoriously difficult, but Willemse navigated it with remarkable ease. His YouTube highlights from his school days had already made many in rugby circles take notice, showcasing his devastating step and breathtaking handling skills that would become his trademark.
Current Team: The Stormers
Willemse currently plays for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and Western Province in the Currie Cup. His loyalty to his home province has been unwavering throughout his career, despite lucrative offers from other franchises.
In June 2022, Willemse won the inaugural United Rugby Championship with the Stormers beating the Bulls 18–13 in the final, a historic achievement for the Cape Town-based franchise. His commitment to the Stormers was further solidified when in October 2022, Willemse signed a new 5-year deal with the Stormers to run until at least 2027.
International Career and World Cup Glory
Damian Willemse made his international debut for South Africa in the 2018 Rugby Championship against Argentina at Kings Park Stadium in a 34–21 victory, coming off of the bench. This marked the beginning of what would become a truly remarkable international career.
His World Cup journey began in dramatic fashion. Willemse was not initially named in South Africa’s squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. However he was called up to replace the injured Jesse Kriel in the pool stage. Despite limited game time, he was part of the squad that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, with South Africa going on to win the tournament, defeating England in the final.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France proved to be Willemse’s coming-of-age tournament on the international stage. He entered the 2023 World Cup with 33 Test caps under his belt and was far more involved in this tournament, starting six of the Boks’ seven matches. His performances throughout the tournament were exceptional, culminating in a memorable final appearance.
Perhaps most remarkably, Willemse has become the youngest player to win two Rugby World Cup titles, achieving this feat at 25 years, 5 months and 21 days when he started the 2023 final against New Zealand.
Recent Challenges and Comeback
The past 18 months have tested Willemse’s resilience. A finger injury kept him out of the mid-year Tests against Ireland as well as the 2024 Rugby Championship. After returning to action with the Stormers, he injured his groin and missed the Boks’ tour to Europe.
However, 2025 has marked his return to form. Damian Willemse will make his long-awaited Springboks return after his injury struggles, with expectations high for his continued contribution to South African rugby.
Beyond Rugby: Environmental and Social Impact
What sets Willemse apart from many professional athletes is his commitment to social causes. By partnering with the non profit, One Tree Planted and sponsors such as, Vida e Caffe and Adidas, Damian Willemse has worked to make an environmental and social impact in South Africa, while also supporting the global reforestation movement.
Willemse, along with teammate, Siya Kolisi, is also a global ambassador for Adidas’ Run for the Oceans campaign, demonstrating his commitment to environmental conservation that extends far beyond the rugby field.
Career Statistics and Achievements
With 40 appearances for his country already under his belt at just 27 years old, Willemse’s international career is far from over. His trophy cabinet includes two Rugby World Cup victories (2019, 2023), a Rugby Championship title, and the inaugural United Rugby Championship with the Stormers.
Willemse won his 100th cap for the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship fixture against the Dragons, a milestone that underscores his consistency and importance to the Cape Town franchise.
Looking Ahead
As Willemse continues his career, with 40 appearances for his country and the 15 jersey seemingly in his grasp, Willemse could end his career as a generational superstar of over 100 caps. His ambitions remain grounded yet ambitious, focusing on immediate goals while keeping an eye on long-term success.
Damian Willemse represents the modern rugby player: versatile, intelligent, and socially conscious. His journey from the beaches of Strand to the pinnacle of world rugby serves as inspiration for young players across South Africa and beyond. As he enters what many consider his prime years, the rugby world eagerly anticipates what this remarkable athlete will achieve next.
