Willemse: Why Stormers over Bulls?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: While most high-flying stars are heading for the exit door, Damian Willemse opted to stay in Cape Town.

The Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has made no secret of his plans for the Stormers star Willemse.

Last week White revealed to the media that he had a desire to lure the 22-year-old to Pretoria.

However, the Stormers moved quickly to quash those plans – handing the utility back a three-year contract extension.

Willemse made his Stormers debut in 2017 at the tender age of 18 and went on to lift the Currie Cup with Western Province later that same year.

He has since gone on to earn 40 caps for the Stormers and has worn the famous blue and white hoops of Western Province 24 times, although he is still just 22.

While the Bulls seemed like an attractive option given their recent form – winning the Super Rugby Unlocked Currie Cup and unbeaten in the Preparations Series – under Jake White, Willemse decided to commit to the Cape Town team.

At the Bulls, Willemse would have been guided by the likes Morne Steyn and captained by Duane Vermeulen.

“It was a difficult decision,” Willemse told reporters on Monday.

“There was a big interest from the Bulls and these type of decisions are not easy but I came to an agreement with Stormers and I’m happy.

“In the end, it was a business deal and I made a decision to stay. Irrespective of my choice one side will inevitably be on the losing end

“Having said that, I feel like I certainly made the right decision and one I’m very happy with.

“We [Stormers] have been working very hard on our team and there are still a few stuff we need to tweak but I’m excited about the future.

He added: “Province gave me an opportunity to grow and develop and I just enjoy my rugby in Cape Town,”

Willemse’s commitment sits very well with head coach John Dobson.

The Stormers boss has always regarded Willemse as the future of the franchise.

“If you know Damian Willemse, you know how professional and talented he is,” Dobson said.

“At the tender age of 22, he has the maturity and leadership that the Stormers need – I do maintain that Willemse is the future.”

Dobson added: “We went through some growing pains in terms of how we utilised him but we know he is a special person and he epitomises what the franchise stands for.

“I think it was critical that we kept him and I’m very grateful that he chose to stay.”

The Stormers travel to Loftus Versfeld to face the Bulls on Friday.

The Stormers will name their team on Wednesday.