DAMIAN Willemse is not leaving the Stormers before 2027, the franchise announced over the weekend.
Rumours of the 26-year-old’s exit snowballed after an April Fools' joke linked him with a move to Irish giants Leinster.
The Stormers then had to squash the rumours in a statement, saying: “Despite media speculation, Stormers can confirm that Damian Willemse will not be leaving the club to take up any offers as he remains contracted until 2027.
“Willemse currently has 97 caps for the Stormers, having made his debut fresh out of school in 2017. He signed a groundbreaking five-year contract in 2022, which was the year he lifted the United Rugby Championship trophy with his teammates in Cape Town.
“Willemse will not be taking up any alternative offers, despite further speculation posed in the guise of an April Fools' joke, although many clubs around the world are obviously interested in the services of the double World Cup winner.”
The Stormers did not play this past weekend and only returns to URC action next week when they host Connacht.
They will, however, be without the prop Neethling Fouché.
The URC announced late on Friday night that the 32-year-old front-rower has been banned for four matches for his dangerous tackle against Ulster in the 38-34 defeat in Belfast on 28 March.
Fouché was desperately unlucky to receive a red card on the night by referee Andrea Piardi, as he was on his knees in an attempt to tackle Ulster centre Ben Carson in the 45th minute.
The referee and TMO deliberated and felt that Fouché did not wrap his arms around Carson in the tackle, and his right shoulder made contact with the Ulster player’s head.