Damian Willemse, born on May 7, 1998, is a South African rugby union player who has made significant strides in the sport at the club and international levels.
He plays for the South Africa national team, the Springboks, and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship.
You can see Damian Willemse’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, and more here.
Damian Willemse’s Biography
| Full Name | Damian Willemse |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Strand, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Height | 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 96 kg (211.64 lb) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Current Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
| Relationship Status | In a Relationship |
| Girlfriend | Mia du Toit |
| Instagram Profile | iamdamiangaza |
Born and raised in Strand, Western Cape, a resort and working-class town on the outskirts of Cape Town, Willemse’s journey to rugby stardom began in his hometown.
Club Career
Willemse’s club career began with the Stormers, a Super Rugby squad he joined after schooling.
He debuted off the bench in the third round of the competition and quickly became a key figure in the team.
His versatility on the field, playing as a fullback, fly-half, winger, or inside center, has been a significant asset to the Stormers.
In 2017, Willemse and his older brother, Ramone Samuels, a professional rugby union player, were part of the Western Province squad winning the 2017 Currie Cup Premier Division.
In 2019, Willemse joined Saracens on a three-month loan from the Stormers, further showcasing his skills and versatility.
Springboks Career
Willemse made his international debut for South Africa in the 2018 Rugby Championship against Argentina, coming off the bench and substituting André Esterhuizen.
He was part of the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2019, scoring a try on his Rugby World Cup debut against Canada.
As of 2023, Willemse has been named in the South African squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Girlfriend
Damian Willemse is in a relationship with Mia du Toit, an accounting student. She identifies herself as a feminist and a female rights champion, and she also enjoys traveling. Additionally, Mia du Toit is a blogger at Girl Globe.
Damian Willemse’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Damian Willemse’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million. The Springboks versatile player’s prime source of earnings is his South Africa rugby union salary, club salaries, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
Damian Willemse is reportedly one of the best-paid rugby players in South Africa. In 2021, he was offered a salary of R5 million per year by the Stormers.
This was a significant increase from his previous salary, as the Stormers wanted to prevent the Bulls from signing Willemse for R3.8 million a year.
In 2022, Willemse’s earnings received a significant boost after he signed a five-year deal with WP Rugby and reached an agreement with international glass packaging giants Ardagh.
These deals combined to pay Willemse more than R10 million a year.
| Year | Salary Source | Amount |
| 2021 | Stormers | R5 million per year |
| 2022 | WP Rugby and Ardagh deals | More than R10 million per year |
FAQs
Who is Damian Willemse?
Damian Willemse is a South African rugby player born on May 7, 1998, in Strand, Western Cape. He plays for the South African national team (Springboks) and the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. He’s known for his versatility and ability to play as a fullback, fly-half, or center.
What teams has Damian Willemse played for?
Willemse has played for Western Province and the Stormers and had a short stint with Saracens in England. He’s been with the Stormers since 2017 and has represented South Africa since 2018.
What are Damian Willemse’s biggest achievements?
Willemse was part of the South African team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and 2023. He also won the United Rugby Championship with the Stormers in 2022 and has been named to the URC Elite XV team.
What positions does Damian Willemse play?
He’s a versatile player who can play as a fullback, fly-half, inside center, and even on the wing. This versatility has earned him the nickname “Mr. Versatile” in South African rugby.
How tall is Damian Willemse, and what’s his playing weight?
Willemse is about 1.84 meters (6 feet) tall and weighs around 90-96 kg (198-211 lbs), depending on the source.
Where did Damian Willemse go to school?
He attended Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, a school known for producing many Springbok players.
Does Damian Willemse have any siblings who play rugby?
Yes, his older brother Ramone Samuels is also a professional rugby player. In 2017, they won the Currie Cup together with Western Province.
What’s interesting about Damian Willemse’s upbringing?
His grandmother primarily raised Willemse because his parents worked different shifts and couldn’t always be there for him. He credits his grandmother and family for instilling good values in him.
Has Damian Willemse played any other sports?
Yes, he had the potential to pursue a cricket career, but he chose to focus on rugby in his mid-teens.
What’s the latest news about Damian Willemse?
As of May 2024, Willemse has suffered a finger injury that requires surgery. This injury is expected to keep him out of action for about four months, meaning he’ll miss the Stormers’ remaining games, the Springboks’ matches against Ireland, and the Rugby Championship.
