TRANSFER TALK: Irish giants set sights on Bok playmaker
SPOTLIGHT: Stormers superstar Damian Willemse is the latest Springbok to be linked with a high-profile move away from Cape Town.
According to Rugbypass, Willemse is on Leinster’s wish list to replace Jordie Barrett when the All Blacks star’s six-month sabbatical in the Irish capital ends at the end of the season.
The versatile playmaker, who operates at flyhalf, fullback, and inside centre, was part of the Springboks’ squad that secured back-to-back World Cup titles, starting in the 2023 victory over the All Blacks at fullback.
Willemse, 26, remains under contract at the Stormers until October 2027, thanks to a groundbreaking five-year deal announced in 2022.
He has made 97 appearances for John Dobson’s side since debuting in 2017 – just months after finishing school at Paul Roos Gymnasium – and helped them win the United Rugby Championship title in 2022.
#⃣WATCH as @THESTORMERS‘ Director of Rugby John Dobson explains why @Springboks playmaker Manie Libbok will not be rushed back 📹#Rugby 🏉#Rugby365 🌐#RugbyUnion 🌏@URCOfficial 🏆
🔗https://t.co/Ec6E5Zgdbf pic.twitter.com/jHorg3qGGd— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) March 28, 2025
A member of the Springboks squad that defeated the British & Irish Lions in 2021, he had a three-game spell with Premiership heavyweights Saracens in 2019, covering for the injured Alex Goode and Max Malins. He is one of the best-paid players in South Africa, thanks to a sponsorship deal with international glass packaging giants Ardagh, which earns him around £425,000 a year.
A move to Ireland will certainly stun a lot of Stormers fans.
However, Leinster are not one to shy away from eyebrow-raising signings.
Last season, they secured the services of RG Snyman from Munster, and in April, they shocked the rugby world by agreeing to a short-term deal with Jordie Barrett, which began after the Nations Series last December.
Billionaire Leinster superfan Paul Coulson, who is also the largest individual shareholder in Ardagh and bought a stake in the Stormers last year, could help broker a deal for Willemse.
Willemse has hosted rugby clinics in South Africa with Leinster legend Johnny Sexton, who is close to Coulson and works as Chief of Staff at Ardagh.
Furthermore, former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s presence at the province may also tip the scale in Leinster’s favour.
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Meanwhile, Stormers playmaker Libbok, who is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury, has been linked with the Premiership club Leicester Tigers.
The rumours ignited after World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard announced that he will be returning to South Africa with the Bulls next season.
Libbok has also attracted interest from Racing 92.
However, similar to Willemse, Libbok is contracted to the Stormers until October 2027.
Source: Rugbypass
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