Devon Williams said helping the Vodacom Bulls beat the DHL Stormers on Saturday would be “bigger” than highlighting his growth since parting ways with the Cape team.
The traditional rivals clash in Pretoria, after a week’s break in the Vodacom URC, with the Stormers looking to make it eight consecutive wins against the Bulls in the competition.
Williams signed a long-term deal with the Bulls last week after an impressive loan stint from the Pumas, and credits former coach Jimmy Stonehouse and the 2022 Currie Cup champions with helping to showcase his talent.
The 31-year-old utility back came up through the Western Province ranks before making his Stormers debut in 2014, but has taken the long road to the top echelons of the sport.
Speaking in a Bulls conference on the eve of the north-south derby at Loftus Versfeld, Williams played down the significance of his potential Stormers reunion: “Let’s take it back to the Pumas, I always wanted revenge, to make a statement… but then you take the context of the game away and make it about yourself. I think rugby’s bigger than that.
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“So it’s just to go out and give my all to the Bulls; if I get the opportunity to play against them [Stormers] I know everything will fall into place. It’s not about me, it’s about the team.”
Since joining the Bulls, Williams has starred in the URC and the Champions Cup, proving to be a vital cog in the back three whether be it at fullback or on the wing.
He added: “I spent eight years at the Pumas, I owe it all to the coaches backing me all the way and then got the opportunity to come to the Bulls and express myself. Playing with guys like Kurt-Lee [Arendse] and Canan [Moodie] makes my job a lot easier.
“I owe it all to him [Stonehouse], they called him my dad. I think he deserves all the credit of me being here. Now I’m just reaping the rewards.
“Maybe I’m a late bloomer; like I said, Coach Jimmy gave me the framework and I’m well moulded now and to make the step up now is easier.”
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