How much does Damian Willemse get paid to play rugby?
Here we investigate how much Damian Willemse gets paid to play rugby for the Stormers and the Springboks.
The Stormers and Western Province have gone to great lengths to keep Damian Willemse’s actual salary from the union a secret.
Financial sleuths have been able to calculate his estimated total earnings per season, though.
WHAT DOES DAMIAN WILLEMSE GET PAID TO PLAY RUGBY?
The deal that was brokered to keep Willemse in Cape Town until at least 2027 is reported to involve payments from the union, SA Rugby via the Players of National Interest (Poni) contribution, and a third party sponsor.
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These combined payments are said to make up a total package that would see Willemse earn at least R10 million per season.
Ardagh packaging unveiled Willemse as their brand ambassador back in 2022.
“Ardagh Africa has signed an agreement with Springbok rugby player Damian Willemse, who will undertake various public brand ambassador roles for Ardagh,” the company posted on Instagram.
“This will include supporting the company’s social sustainability programs. This is further proof of Ardagh’s commitment to South Africa and our local communities.”
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DO THE STORMERS SPEND MORE THAN R5 MILLION ON SPRINGBOK STAR?
Stormers and Western Province coach John Dobson believes that the subject of player salaries shouldn’t be reported on.
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He also rubbished a report which claimed that the cash-strapped union, which only just agreed an new equity deal to take them out of administration was throwing that kind of money at any player. Dobson would add that Willemse deserves to be one of the best paid players in South African rugby.
“We want to protect the sanctity of what the players earn,” Dobson said.
“His cost to WP is considerably less than that [R5 million per year].
“His total including the Players of National Interest (Poni) contribution which SA Rugby is at pains to protect‚ doesn’t total anything that was published‚” said Dobson.
“Whatever Damian earns he deserves. He is a guy we really‚ really wanted to keep here.”