Damian Willemse: The Youngest Two-Time Rugby World Cup Winner at Just 25

• Damian Willemse was the youngest member of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning team
• Rugby players seldom hit such milestones at an early age but Willemse is blessed with good ability
• Willemse started all three of South Africa's knockout matches and was substituted in the final

The bulk of the 2023 Rugby World Cup winning squad has lived this moment for the second time.

One man, however, has done so twice before reaching what most would consider their prime.

Damian Willemse capped an outstanding tournament by becoming the youngest player to hold two World Cup winners medals.

Willemse was born in Cape Town and attended Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.

He played for the Western Province junior age groups and made his Stormers debut two months before his 19th birthday.

Willemse broke into the national team at 20, making his international debut against Argentina in the 2018 Rugby Championship.

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His call-up to the 2019 squad had an element of fortune, as he was a late addition to replace Jesse Kriel who tore his hamstring in the opening match of that tournament.

The versatile back has become an integral part of the setup as he can slot in almost anywhere in the backline.

Francois Steyn had been the youngest Springbok to win a World Cup, doing so aged 20 in 2007. Steyn's second medal came 12 years later in 2019.

Sam Whitelock had been the previous youngest, as he was 22 when New Zealand broke their 24-year World Cup drought in 2011, before repeating their victory in 2015.

All Blacks Zac Guildford and Aaron Cruden were also 22 in 2011 but missed out on selection for the 2015 competition.

Canan Moodie is younger now than Willemse was in 2019, meaning he is the only one who could better the fullback's feat in Australia in 2027.

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South Africans seeking public holiday

Sports Brief recently reported on South Africans asking President Cyril Ramaphosa for a public holiday.

Ramaphosa had hinted earlier in the tournament at a day off work if the Springboks emerged victorious.

The President then disappointed South Africans by instead announcing a public address for Monday evening.