2016 Ruggas Backline Player Of The Year – Damian Willemse

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When provinces' talent scouts get involved in a public spat to convince a schoolboy rugby player that they are the right province to advance his career from a schoolboy rugby player to an international star, then you know that this boy must be something special. Very special.

This is exactly what happened when the Bulls publicly stated that at the Bulls Damian will be developed as an international star. The Western Province, however, would have nothing of that and involved one of their heavy weights, Gert Smal to intervene and keep the youngster in the Cape.

With feet made for dancing Damian must be the best stepper in the business today. Damian's ability to beat defenders with an inside and outside sidestep at will, combined with great offloading skills make him the star he is today. Added to that speed, strength and superb off-loading and one understands the "stupid" calls to fast-track him into the professional ranks.

If one is looking for a highlight in 2016 for Damian one can expect many opinions. But being selected for the SA Schools side or named Craven Week Rugby Player of the year or that brilliant try against Hilton at St Johns or his try for Western Province against Eastern Province or or or or. A season many boys dream of. A player many fans dream of.

Position : Flyhalf

Team 2017 : Western Province

High School : Paul Roos Gymnasium

Primary School : Somerset West Methodist

Date of Birth : 07 May 1998

Weight : 80kg

Height : 180cm

Representative Teams : SA Schools 2015 & 2016, WP Craven Week 2015 & 2016, Grant Khomo 2014.