Homegrown hero: Damian Willemse

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Damian Willemse is a DHL Stormers star from Strand who has made the most of his considerable talents to rise through the ranks to the top of the game.

Willemse’s story is an inspirational tale, which showcases what is possible when the abundant talent in the Western Cape is harnessed correctly.

As one of the ‘kids with the hot step’ growing up in Strand, Willemse came from a sports-mad community and family, but there would be a lot of hard work and sacrifices to see him become a double World Cup winner with 82 Stormers caps at the age of just 25.

He was recognised at Somerset West Methodist Primary by teacher and coach Winston Baard, who played an influential role in Willemse’s early development as the star player for the ‘Methos Squirrels’ as a youngster.

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From there it was on to Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch, where Willemse’s natural talents were allowed to bloom as he made use of the incredible facilities and sports culture at one of the country’s top rugby schools.

To label Willemse a schoolboy star would be something of an understatement. He had a YouTube reel that made many people sit up and take note, carving defences open with his devastating step and breathtaking handling skills.

He first pulled on the blue and white hoops of DHL WP at the 2014 U16 Grant Khomo Week and the next year featured at Craven Week as WP U18 won the final match against Eastern Province 95-0 on home soil in Stellenbosch.

From school it was straight into the Stormers setup as he joined the senior squad for pre-season straight after writing his matric exams.

He would make his Stormers debut in 2017 at the age of just 18, coming on for the last five minutes against the Southern Kings at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which was enough time for him to step a few players and set up a late try.

For more, see thestormers.com

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter

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