The Stormers have addressed speculation around Damian Willemse’s future at the club following reports that he could join Leinster.
The Springboks star has been linked with a move to the Irish province, who are reportedly in the market for a replacement for Jordie Barrett who will return to New Zealand at the end of the season.
Barrett re-signed with the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2028 in April last year, with his deal including a six-month playing sabbatical at Leinster. The 28-year-old has made a telling impact at the club, whether it be at full-back or in the centres.
Willemse links
Last week, RugbyPass reported that Leinster were eyeing up a swoop for double World Cup-winning Springboks back Willemse to fill Barrett’s void with “billionaire superfan” Paul Coulson keen on making the move possible.
However, Rapport reported that the Stormers were not willing to entertain talks of the versatile back leaving the Cape Town-based franchise.
That has proven to be true with the Stormers breaking their silence on Friday with a statement confirming that Willemse “will not be taking up any alternative offers,” as he is contracted to the club until 2027.
The Stormers confirmed ‘obvious’ interest from clubs abroad but reaffirmed that he would be staying in South Africa.
“Despite media speculation, the DHL Stormers can confirm that Damian Willemse will not be leaving the club to take up any offers as he remains contracted until 2027,” the statement read.
“Willemse currently has 97 caps for the DHL Stormers, having made his debut fresh out of school in 2017. He signed a groundbreaking five-year contract in 2022, which was the year he lifted the Vodacom URC trophy with his teammates in Cape Town.
“Willemse will not be taking up any alternative offers, despite further speculation posed in the guise of an April Fool’s joke, although many clubs around the world are obviously interested in the services of the double World Cup winner.”
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Transfer news
Planet Rugby understands that the Stormers are open to the idea of Springboks playmaker Manie Libbok taking up a sabbatical in Japan next season.
He is reportedly fielding ‘serious interest’ from one Japanese club in a move that would be similar to that of Kurt-Lee Arendse who is plying his trade for the DnyaBoars but will return to the Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Bulls confirmed that Springboks veteran Willie Le Roux has signed a two-year deal to remain in Pretoria.
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/stormers-break-silence-on-springboks-star-damian-willemse-rumours-admitting-worldwide-interest
