Get to know Damian Willemse, the South African rugby player

Get to know Damian Willemse, the South African rugby player

Claudia Kogi
February 19, 2024 at 8:54 AM

The South African national team has made numerous appearances in the Rugby World Cup games, the most recent being in 2023. During these games, the national team has won various tournaments. One of the players in this team is Damian Willemse, who, like other players, often strives to be the best.

Damian Willemse looks on during the Summer International match against New Zealand All Blacks
Damian looks on during the Summer International match against New Zealand All Blacks at Twickenham Stadium on 25 August 2023 in London, England. Photo: Patrick Khachfe (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Who is Damian Willemse? He is a South African-based professional rugby union player for the South African national team and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship and Western Province in the Currie Cup. Willemse has been described as a unique athlete with many interests and ambitions off rugby pitches.

Damian Willemse's profile summary

Full name

Damian Willemse

Date of birth

7 May 1998

Age

25 years as of February 2024

Place of birth

Strand, Western Cape, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Ethnicity

Mixed

Mother

Charlotte

Father

Francois

Brother

Ramone Samuels

Height

6 feet or 183 centimetres

Weight

190 pounds or 86 kilograms

Relationship status

In a relationship

Spouse

Mia du Toit

Profession

Professional rugby player

Position

Fly half and full back

Current teams

South African national team and the Stormers

Net worth

Between $1 million and $5 million

Social media

Instagram

How old is Damian Willemse?

Damian Willemse (age 25 years as of February 2024) was born on 7 May 1998 in Strand, Western Cape, South Africa. The famous athlete was born to Charlotte and Francois and raised alongside his brother, Ramone Samuels, a rugby player for Stormers and Western Province as a flanker.

Following his parents' work schedules, the two brothers were raised by their grandmother, their big supporter. During an interview with the Future Minds podcast, Damian revealed;

My mom and dad were working different shifts, so either an early morning shift or working through the night, that kind of stuff. So, they could not always be there for me.
My gran took me under her wing, and she raised both my brother and me. I think my gran and, obviously, my family raised me with very good values.
Damian Willemse of South Africa arrives at the stadium prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Top 5 facts about Damian Willemse. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images (Modified by author)
Source: Original

In 2021, following his grandmother's death, he shared her photo with a heartfelt message on his Instagram page, saying,

A woman times a thousand. Thank you very much for everything, Grandma; we will miss you terribly. Rest in peace, Grandpa Christie and our Heavenly Father. I am sad today, but I know you fought until the end to see us one more time.
But your time has now expired here with us, and therefore, it is time for you to triumph with Dear Jesus and all the Angels. Thank you again for everything you have done for us and for making me and everyone else believe that I would be a Springbok; you are EVERYTHING!

Damian Willemse's rugby career

Damian's 2016 selection for the Western Province Craven Week side for the tournament in Durban was what he needed to have his career at the peak. He started all three matches and scored two tries in their first match against Boland. He helped the team to a 27–20 victory in the final game against the Golden Lions.

Stormers - 2017-2019

It was only a matter of time before Willemse was part of the Stormers squad for the 2017 Super Rugby season. As a result, he was included in a matchday squad for their round three match against the Southern Kings, where he made his Super Rugby debut. He played for the Stormers until 2019.

Damian Willemse raises the Webb Ellis Cup after their victory during the South Africa captain's run
Willemse raises the Webb Ellis Cup during the South Africa captain's run held at Stade des Fauvettes on 27 October 2023 in Domont, France. Photo: David Rogers
Source: Getty Images

Saracens - 2019

In 2019, Damian signed a 3-month contract with Saracens club to provide injury cover for players Alex Goode and Max Malins. Although it was a short-term deal, he made his debut for the club in the Premiership Cup against Wasps.

Return to Stormers - 2019 to present

In June 2022, the professional athlete won the inaugural United Rugby Championship, with the club beating the Bulls in the finals. He finally cemented his deal with the club when he signed a 5-year contract to run until at least 2027.

Damian Willemse's net worth and salary

The famous professional athlete has yet to disclose the exact figures of his net worth. However, following his assumed monetary success, various sources, such as Wealthy Spy, put it between $1 million and $5 million. His net worth is said to increase in the future following his contract with his current team.

The deal that is brokered to keep Willemse in Cape Town until at least 2027 is said to involve payments that will earn him at least $528,797 annually, according to The South African.

Frequently asked questions

Damian Willemse waves the fans after their sides victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023
Damian Willemse during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match against Romania on 17 September 2023 in Bordeaux, France. Photo: Gaspafotos
Source: Getty Images

South Africa is known for producing some of the best rugby players the sport has ever seen. With the country participating in several World Cup tournaments, legendary players such as Damian Willemse are often upfront to represent the nation. Here are some of the most interesting facts about him.

Is Damian Willemse married?

The professional rugby player is not yet married. However, he is in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend, Mia du Toit, a law student at Stellenbosch University. Damian often flaunts her on his Instagram page.

Does Damian Willemse have a child?

There are no details whatsoever about Damian having kids. However, depicted on his Instagram posts, he is one person who loves to be around kids.

What is Damian Willemse's height?

The professional athlete is 6 feet or 183 centimetres tall and weighs 190 pounds or 86 kilograms. He has black hair and dark brown eyes.

What are Damian's awards and achievements?

Since debuting professionally, he has achieved more than one award thanks to his impressive skills on the rugby pitch. Below is a list detailing several awards the South African national has to his name.

  • (2017) Currie Cup 2020–21 - Champion
  • (2019) Rugby World Cup Japan - Champion
  • (2021) British and Irish Lions Series Tour - Champion
  • (2022) United Rugby Championship - Champion
  • (2023) Qatar Airways Cup - Champion
  • (2023) Rugby World Cup - Champion
Damian Willemse's girlfriend, Mia Du Toit
Damian Willemse's girlfriend, Mia Du Toit. Photo: @miadutoit (Modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Is Damian Willemse on Instagram?

The sought-after personality is dynamic on Instagram, boasting over 292k followers as of February 2024. He often uploads photos and videos on and off the pitch.

What is Damian's nationality?

The legendary rugby player is a South African national of a mixed ethnic background.

Final word

Damian Willemse is a renowned professional rugby player from South Africa recognised for his skills and ability to play in numerous positions in rugby, like fly half and full back. Consequently, he has garnered significant fan bases across social media platforms.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.