Stormers shut down Damian Willemse exit rumours despite worldwide interest

The Springbok 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 only allowing for a six-month playing sabbatical at Leinster.

Last week, it was reported that Leinster were eyeing a swoop for double World Cup-winning Springbok back Willemse to fill the void left by Barrett's departure, with "billionaire superfan" Paul Coulson keen on making the move possible.

However, reports soon emerged that the Stormers were not willing to entertain talks of the influential backline star leaving the Cape Town-based franchise.

That has proven to be true with the Cape Town outfit 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 confirmed 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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