After completing his schooling, Damian Willemse was selected to join the Stormers Super Rugby squad. He made his debut off the bench in the third round of the competition. In May of that year, he was also named in the South African U20s side for the 2017 U20 World Championship, where he played in all of South Africa's matches, primarily in the inside center position.
Willemse continued to gain experience and was named in the starting lineup for the Stormers for the first time in Round 15 of Super Rugby 2017 when they faced the Cheetahs. He went on to make four more appearances for the Stormers during the competition, scoring a total of 32 points. He was then a key figure in Western Province's successful Currie Cup campaign.
Recognizing his potential, Willemse was included in the Springbok U20 squad for the 2018 U20 Rugby World Cup, despite calls for him to be included in the senior squad to face Wales and England. In July 2018, he was selected for the Springboks' Rugby Championship squad, following an impressive season with the Stormers. He made his test debut on 18 August 2018, in a 34-21 victory over Argentina in The Rugby Championship.
In October 2019, Willemse was called up to the Springboks' Rugby World Cup squad due to an injury to Jesse Kriel. He started in the match against Canada and scored a try on his Rugby World Cup debut.
In a move to further his development, Willemse joined Saracens on a three-month loan from the Stormers. He has showcased his versatility by featuring for the Stormers at fullback and center, but his long-term future is seen in the flyhalf position.
In March 2021, Willemse signed a three-year contract extension with the Stormers and Western Province. At the time of his signing, he had earned 40 caps for the Stormers, made 24 appearances for Western Province, and had six test caps for the Springboks, including being part of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Willemse has been named in the South African training squad.
KG(17/05/2023)
Career
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Stormers Fly Half |
2017 - present |
 |
Western Province Fullback |
2017 - present |
 |
Paul Roos Gymnasium Fly Half |
2012 - 2016 |
 |
South Africa U20's Fly Half |
2017 - 2018 |
 |
Saracens Fullback |
2019 - 2019 |
 |
South Africa Fly Half |
2018 - 2024 |
 |
Springbok Gold Fullback |
2020 - 2024 |
 |
South Africa A Fullback |
2021 - 2024 |
