Damian Willemse pays tribute to those who shaped his journey before 100th Stormers game

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse has been careful to acknowledge that his successful professional rugby career was made possible by struggle stalwarts who paved the way for players of colour, and by coaches who gave him opportunities.

The 27-year-old will play his 100th game for the Stormers when they host Dragons on Saturday in the United Rugby Championship (kick-off 6.15pm).

The milestone comes on the back of a stellar international career that has seen him score 56 points in 40 Tests for the Springboks and win the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups – becoming one of the youngest players to win two of the global showpieces.

Now, eight years after making his professional debut against the Kings in Super Rugby, which he did just three months after finishing matric at age 18, Willemse has expressed gratitude to then-head coach Robbie Fleck and assistant coach Paul Feeney for giving him early opportunities and helping shape his game.

He also thanked current head coach John Dobson and backline coach Dawie Snyman for their continued faith in him.

‘The player that I am today’

“Ever since I was a kid and a youngster it’s been my dream to play for the Western Province and the Stormers,” Willemse said. “Now I get the opportunity to do it for my 100^th time. It’s a huge honour and privilege. I have to give thanks to the coaching staff, management and players.

“I think all the steps that I took and all the opportunities they gave me grew me into the player that I am today.”

Willemse mentioned a few players by name who made an impression on him when he was younger: Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Dillyn Leyds, Damian de Allende and Jamie Roberts.

Willemse: The realised dream of those who came before

However, he said his rugby career would not have been possible without the struggle stalwarts.

“The people in the struggle didn’t have the opportunity. To fight and get me and all of us in this position to play 100 games… I spoke to someone the other day and he spoke about his dad and back in the day when they used to play.

“We just think of legends of the game. Western Province rugby runs deep, from Strand all the way to the Bo-Kaap. That is what it means. I’m not just representing myself. I’m representing a lot of people in the Western Cape and to do that on a global stage in the URC and the Champions Cup … It means the world to me.

“To do it for the 100th time, I am super blessed, but in the same breath, I have to give thanks to all the people around me who have made me a better player, a better person on and off the field.”