Two-time World Cup-winning Springbok centre Damian de Allende has said he wants to end his professional career in Cape Town, where it all began, and he hopes to run out for the Stormers again after his contract in Japan ends in 2027.
"I think about it a lot. I’ve got two more seasons left in Japan. My contract finishes in 2027. And I enjoy it there. My body still feels very good at the moment."
"It feels like the older I get, the more I’m enjoying myself. The less pressure there is on me, the less pressure I’m putting on myself."
“We’ll see how my body is next year and the year after, how I am mentally, and if I can keep up with rugby moving forward. Ideally, I would love to finish in South Africa."
“Every time coming back to South Africa and then especially going back to Cape Town, I always get a little excited feeling in my body like I’m a little kid going home again."
“I would like to finish in Cape Town, so if the chance does come for me to finish in Cape Town and I can play a season or two in South Africa for the Stormers and Western Province, I would love to."
“I don’t see myself playing anywhere else besides coming to Cape Town."