VIDEO: The unseen side of Damian Willemse
WATCH as Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson pays tribute to Springbok utility back Damian Willemse.
Willemse is set to make his 100th Stormers appearance against the Dragons in Round 17 of the United Rugby Championship, as the Stormers are looking to secure their play-off spot.
Dobson praised Willemse for his contribution to the Cape franchise and revealed all the unseen things he does for the betterment of the team.
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“We know what we have in Damian Willemse, I’m not sure the world does. He is a generational player. I’ve worked with him on and off since 2017. Other than all the flash, he’s the most professional guy. He’s the guy doing the most time in the huddle and is very competitive.
“He flew at his own expense when we took a weakened team to play Harlequins in the Champions Cup and did all the analysis on Harlequins’ defence.
“He can walk into any team in the world. He’s been with us for a while now and won two World Cups at the age of 25.
“Dobson added: “He’s just a treasure. I can’t speak high enough of him. His professionalism, standards, competitiveness and the quality of human being he is.
“Earning 100 [Stormers] caps at the age of 27 says we must realise what we’ve got in Damian Willemse as a world-class player and human being.”
Dobson admitted that Willemse rejected lucrative offers at a time when Western Province Rugby was put under administration in 2021 and praised the double World Cup winner for his loyalty.
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“Damian made a massive statement. He was offered a lot of money elsewhere and he decided to stay loyal.
“He grew up in a backyard in Strand where he played garden rugby in the blue and white [hoops] and played for the Under-13’s and Grant Khomo week.
“The blue and white jersey just means a lot to him. Once we kept Frans [Malherbe], Kitte [Steven Kitshoff], Gaza [Damian Willemse] and a couple of the other guys, we could build a team around guys who understood what this region meant and Damian was critical.
“If he had lost Damian Willemse given his background we would’ve struggled. And I know he was under a lot of pressure to go elsewhere, and he stood up to it.”
