Willemse blow for Boks, Stormers
The Boks may have to turn to veteran Willie le Roux for the July series against Ireland due to Damian Willemse’s injury.
Springbok and DHL Stormers playmaker Damian Willemse is expected to miss the rest of the Vodacom URC season, the July Test series and the 2024 Rugby Championship.
Willemse suffered a finger injury during the win against Connacht in Galway which secured the Stormers’ place in the Vodacom URC play-offs.
While it was hoped that it was a simple sprain, according to Netwerk24, a scan has revealed that the two-time Bok world champion has injured his finger ligaments and will need surgery.
The recovery process is expected to keep Willemse out for a reported four months, meaning he may only return to be part of the Boks’ end-of-year tour.
News of his injury will come as a massive blow for both the Stormers and Boks. The 26-year-old was the first-choice fullback at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has primarily donned the No 12 jersey for the Stormers this season.
The Stormers have one more round in the URC to play against the Lions in Cape Town next Saturday, before they face the challenge of an away play-off against Munster, the Glasgow Warriors, Leinster or the Vodacom Bulls.
Meanwhile, the Boks may have to turn to veteran Willie le Roux for the July series against Ireland, with the 34-year-old currently in sensational form for the Bulls.
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