Damian
Willemse
South Africa
·
Rugby
Date of birth | 7 May 1998 |
|---|---|
Age | 27 |
Nationality | South Africa |
Disciplines | Rugby Union |
Born in the seaside town of Strand on the Western Cape, Damian Willemse began playing rugby during his high school years and quickly developed a passion for the game. Naturally quick and powerful, he was soon selected to represent Western Province and caught the eye during the Under-18 Craven Week – South Africa’s premier high school rugby tournament.
His impressive performances led to his inclusion in the South Africa Schools squad where he would quickly become a standout performer. It then came as little shock when just a few months after finishing school, Damian was included in the Stormers squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season. He would go on to make his debut aged just 18 years and 301 days.
This rapid rise continued and it came as no shock when Damian was handed his full international debut for South Africa in the 2018 Rugby Championship against Argentina. He quickly established himself as an important member of the squad and in 2019 enjoyed an unforgettable year.
Damian would feature heavily as South Africa first lifted the Rugby Championship before winning the Rugby World Cup in Japan after defeating England in the final. While this would be the pinnacle for many players, it was just the start for the versatile back as he went on to help the Springboks defeat the British and Irish Lions in 2021 and then successfully defend their World Cup title in France in 2023.
On top of this international success, Damian helped the Stormers win the inaugural United Rugby Championship in 2022.
Outside of rugby, Damian is currently studying for a degree in commerce and works with a number of environmental and social impact organisations across South Africa.