Suntory circles the Stormers full-back
The Stormers are working to keep Springboks full-back Damian Willemse. Rapport, cited by Planet Rugby, reports that Willemse is weighing his options in the final year of his contract and that Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath is showing great interest. The paper’s source says Suntory may put a lot of yen on the table.
Willemse signed a five-year deal with the Stormers in 2022 and has spent almost his whole career with the club, apart from a short spell at Saracens in 2019. According to the same source, the Stormers have already started the extension process, with broad principles and amounts agreed. If he does not re-sign, he could move to Japan after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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A Suntory squad with a South African link
Suntory already has Sam Cane and James Lowe. Lowe took over the spot vacated by Cheslin Kolbe, who played for the club from 2023 to 2026 before rejoining the Stormers. That route from Tokyo back to Cape Town is exactly what the Stormers will point to when they sell Willemse on staying.
The Bulls face a similar fight. They want to keep Handre Pollard beyond 2026/27, and an unnamed Japanese club is also reported to be chasing him. None of this is confirmed by the clubs involved.
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