Latest news with #Willemse
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
No Damian, no problem as Stormers gear up for Glasgow
The Stormers are confident that they have the players to cover for star back Damian Willemse when they play Glasgow Warriors in their URC quarterfinal. Stormers star Damian Willemse will miss at least two URC playoff games if they progress that far, after picking up a red card in their last match against Cardiff. Picture: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images Despite suffering a heavy blow last week when it was confirmed that Stormers utility star Damian Willemse would miss most of the URC playoffs due to the red card he picked up in their final pool game against Cardiff, assistant coach Rito Hlungwani isn't worried. Willemse received the sanction after a high hit in their win over the Welsh side, which led to him being cited and initially banned for six weeks, reduced to three because of his good disciplinary record. That could further be reduced by another week if he attends World Rugby's infamous 'tackle school', which would make him available for the URC final should the Stormers make it that far. But first they have the massive task of upsetting the United Rugby Championship (URC) defending champions, Glasgow Warriors, on their home patch, the Scotstoun Stadium, in their knockout clash on Friday night. It is a repeat of last year's quarter-final, where the Stormers pushed Glasgow all the way, trailing by just three points going into the last seven minutes of the match, with the hosts scoring two late converted tries to secure a 27-10 win in the end. They now have to do the job without Willemse, although the blow has been softened by Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok's return from injury against Cardiff, that has bolstered the Stormers backline options. Quite fortunate 'We are quite fortunate that a guy like Manie's timing has been good in coming back from injury, and it's great to have him back,' explained Hlungwani. 'Obviously it's unfortunate to lose a player of Damian's quality, but like I always say, when there's an injury or a suspension it's a nice opportunity for the next person to put their hand up and take their chance. 'We're quite fortunate to have guys that can cover 15 and 12 (where Willemse would likely have played). We have Warrick (Gelant) at 15. Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) is very comfortable at 12. He's played 12 for us quite a number of times. 'We will probably look to have Sacha as an extra playmaker (in the backline) and then Dan Dup (Dan du Plessis) also covers 12 as well. As much as we're not happy that we've lost him (Willemse), we feel we've got enough cover.' Feinberg-Mngomezulu has recently been in top form at flyhalf for the Stormers, but played off the bench against Cardiff due to Libbok's return. He would probably have started at flyhalf against Glasgow if Willemse was available, but it seems like he will line up at inside centre instead, with Libbok at 10 and Gelant at fullback. Leolin Zas and Suleiman Hartzenberg could be on the wings, and Wandisile Simelane at outside centre, which would make for an incredibly formidable attacking backline, even without Willemse.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Damian Willemse hit with URC ban, but it is not doom and gloom for Stormers ahead of Glasgow quarter-final
Damian Willemse Damian Willemse put in a near-perfect performance for the Stormers against Cardiff until he received a red card. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The Stormers will be disappointed that Damian Willemse has been handed a three-match ban by a United Rugby Championship disciplinary panel, despite the Springbok entering what amounted to a plea bargain. Willemse's role in the URC is possibly over as his ban starts with next week's quarter-final against Glasgow, and would include a potential semi-final. The 27-year-old could play in a possible final if he attends 'tackle school,' which would lop one of the games off his suspension. Willemse was red-carded in the Stormers' defeat of Cardiff last Friday, and while there was no debate that contact was made with the head of wing Gabe Hamer-Webb, there appeared to be mitigating circumstances. As Stormers coach John Dobson put it, 'Damian was stuck (in a gang tackle), and was trying to turn away'. The Stormers felt they had a good case ,and Willemse pleaded guilty before the hearing in the hope of being let off any suspension. However, a statement from the hearing said: 'The incident met the red card threshold, which has a minimum ban of six weeks. This has been reduced by 50 percent due to the player's good record. This results in a three-game suspension. 'Should the player complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (tackle school) then the sanction will be reduced by one week,' the statement continued. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 🚨 Disciplinary Decision 🚨 📝 Damian Willemse - DHL Stormers#URC — BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) May 22, 2025 Both sides had players red-carded in the game. Cardiff prop Danny Southworth was sent off for a high tackle on Neethling Fouche in the 29th minute, before Willemse was shown red in the 58th minute for his high tackle of Hamer-Webb. Dobson said in the aftermath of the game that Willemse's red card was 'a disaster', but it is hardly so because the Stormers are well-stocked with brilliant backs. It is likely that Warrick Gelant will return at fullback in a straight swap with Willemse for the trip to Glasgow.
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Stormers star banned for playoff matches
This past weekend, the Stormers' qualification for the URC playoffs was somewhat offset by the red card dished out to Damian Willemse, who was sent from the field for a high hit on Cardiff winger Gabe Hamer-Webb. It has now been confirmed that Willemse has been banned for three games. However, should the Springbok utility back complete the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme – which he almost certainly will – then the sanction will be reduced by one week. It means Willemse will miss the upcoming quarter-final against the Glasgow Warriors, and if the Cape side progresses, he will also not be available for the semi-final. In the player's responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Jennifer Donovan), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card. Donovan found that the incident met thered card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting six weeks. Willemse received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his good record, which results in a three game suspension. Fixtures Damian Willemse is unavailable for: Glasgow Warriors Stormers, Friday May 30, URC Quarter-Final *The remaining two fixtures to which this sanction will apply shall be determined based on the progress of the Stormers Considering how strict the officiating has become when it comes to these sorts of infringements, the Cape franchise were anticipating that the 27-year-old could face a ban. 'I haven't seen it enough to comment on what the impact is,' Stormers coach John Dobson said immediately after the game. 'He was stuck. I don't think he was trying to hit with the shoulder… I think he was trying to turn. 'The implications, I'm sure, are going to be poor for us. I've got no doubt. We can't appeal until there is a decision. I don't see them overturning that. It's a disaster for us.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Willemse misses Stormers play-off, maybe a Bok game too…
Damian Willemse's three game ban, reduced to two should he attend tackle school, has thrown the Stormers' title hopes in the air. Damian Willemse has received a ban that could see him out of action for the rest of the Stormers URC campaign, and possibly miss a game for the Springboks as well. The 27-year-old utility back was given a red card for a high hit against Cardiff's Gabriel Hamer-Webb in their match at Cape Town Stadium last weekend. Willemse pleaded guilty to the foul play, and after a few suspense-filled days, the verdict was given. He received a six-match ban that was reduced by half, with another match removed if Willemse attends tackle school. Assuming he attends tackle school – and most players do – Willemse cuts the ban down to two games. Stormers lose their 'treasure' He will miss the Stormers' United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium next week Friday. Should the Stormers win that game, Willemse will miss the semi-final against the winner of the game between Leinster and Scarlets, and be back in time for the final of the tournament. Should the Stormers not progress to the semi-final, Willemse will still be unavailable for the Springboks' game against the Barbarians in Cape Town on 8 June. While waiting to hear how long the ban would last, Stormers director of rugby John Dobson said it was a 'disaster' for the team and would sorely affect their campaign for the title. The coach said they would consider an appeal depending on the outcome. 'The implications, I'm sure, are going to be poor for us. I've got no doubt. We can't appeal until there is a decision. I don't see them overturning that. It's a disaster for us,' he said at the time. ALSO READ: Mapimpi banned for three games after making contact with opponent's eye Willemse the reason Moerat wanted to be a Springbok The Springbok star made his 100th cap for the Stormers this month. In doing so, he was hailed by teammates and coaches as not just one of the best players in the side, but one of the best Western Province has ever produced and one of the best in the world. 'We know what we've got in Damian Willemse, I'm not sure the world does,' Dobson said. 'This is a generational player… Other than the flash and that, he's the most professional guy, the guy doing the most time in the huddle.' Dobson called Willemse 'just a treasure' when describing his professionalism and qualities as a person off the field. Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat said Willemse was 'the reason I wanted to be a Springbok and work harder'. 'He has really changed the perspective around coloured rugby players. He will be one of the greatest coloured rugby players, if not one of the greatest rugby players to have played the game.'
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
‘It's a disaster': Stormers face anxious wait over Damian Willemse ban
Willemse's red card could see him ruled out of the URC playoffs and the start of the international season. Stormers utility back Damian Willemse trudges off after receiving his red card in their URC win over Cardiff at the Cape Town Stadium this past Friday night. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images The Stormers face an anxious wait to hear what ban Damian Willemse is set to receive following his red card during their 34-24 win over Cardiff in their final United Rugby Championship (URC) pool match of the season. Willemse was given his marching orders for a high hit on visiting wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb in the second half, which was the second red of the match after Cardiff prop Danny Southworth received one in the first half for his high tackle on Neethling Fouche. Willemse's transgression could however prove very costly for the Stormers, especially if he receives a ban that rules him out of the entire URC playoff phase. In fact it could impact his return to the international fold as well, with Willemse having last played for the Springboks in the final of the 2023 World Cup, following which he missed last year's entire international season due to various injuries. He thus would have been in line to make his return in the incoming series against Italy and Georgia in July, but if he received a multigame ban as expected, and the Stormers go down in their URC quarterfinal against Glasgow, that would carry over into the international season. Where Willemse could receive some mitigation from the citing commissioner is that there didn't seem to be any intent in the tackle and a low degree of force, although there was clear shoulder contact to the head. A disaster Commenting on the tackle after the match, Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson admitted that the ban could be a disaster and a potential hammer blow to their URC playoff hopes, and that they would consider an appeal depending on the outcome. 'I haven't seen it enough to comment on what the impact is. He was stuck. I don't think he was trying to hit with the shoulder, I think he was trying to turn,' explained Dobson. 'The implications, I'm sure, are going to be poor for us. I've got no doubt. We can't appeal until there is a decision. I don't see them overturning that. It's a disaster for us.' Although losing Willemse would be a blow for any team, it may solve a selection dilemma for Dobson ahead of their quarterfinal against Glasgow Warriors. With Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok having returned from injury against Cardiff, and put in a scintillating 54 minute shift, he could very well be in line to start in the knockout match. Warrick Gelant, who was rested for the final pool game, will slot back in at fullback, where Willemse played against Cardiff, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be shifted to the midfield, where Willemse was likely to return to. In any case it is all a moot point until a decision is handed down and the Stormers and their fans will be waiting with bated breath for it to be handed down.
