The Stormers have begun contract extension talks with Damian Willemse, but face competition from Japan Rugby League One club Suntory Sungoliath, who are reportedly prepared to spend heavily to secure the versatile back's services.
Willemse, now in the final year of the five-year deal he signed with the Stormers in 2022, has spent virtually his entire career at the Cape franchise since debuting for them at 18, aside from a brief spell at Saracens in 2019. According to Rapport, broad principles and figures have already been agreed between Willemse and the Stormers as part of the extension process, but Suntory are applying serious pressure with what the report describes as 'a lot of yen'.
Suntory's roster of high-profile signings — which has included Beauden Barrett, Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger, Samu Kerevi and, most recently, Sam Cane and James Lowe — underlines the credibility of their pursuit. Lowe joined as a replacement for Cheslin Kolbe, who was at Sungoliath from 2023 to 2026 before returning to the Stormers.
Any move to Japan is understood to be contingent on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, giving the Stormers a window to finalise terms.
The Bulls face a parallel situation with Handré Pollard, who is also being targeted by an unnamed Japan Rugby League One club as his current deal approaches its end.