Damian Willemse's Saracens move confirmed

Cape Town - Damian Willemse's move to Saracens for a short-term stint has been confirmed by the English club.

The 21-year-old was not named in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus' 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, but he is expected to be one of the players on the stand-by list should the Boks need to replace any of their players during the tournament. 

Willemse has only recently recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined throughout the Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign, but he will now be looking to get some much-needed game time under his belt in testing European conditions. 

"We're grateful to Western Province for allowing Damian to play his rugby at Saracens for the next three months," Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said.

"He is a young talent and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club."

Willemse, who is expected to wear the Stormers No 10 jersey under new coach John Dobson in Super Rugby next year, will be at Saracens for three months and he is expected to provide cover for England captain Owen Farrell, who will be at the World Cup. 

- Compiled by Lloyd Burnard

?? Saracens is delighted to welcome Damian Willemse to the club! ????https://t.co/lEtgfw8RMK

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) September 2, 2019