Stormers to let Gaza go

The Stormers are willing to grant Damian Willemse a sabbatical while offering another double World Cup-winning Springbok a one-season deal.

According to Rapport, the Cape club could allow Willemse, whose five-year Stormers’ contract expires in June 2027, to spend a few months in Japan as part of negotiations to retain his services in the longer term.

The 28-year-old utility back has attracted interest from the Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, where Stormers teammate Cheslin Kolbe previously played.

“A sabbatical is a possibility because he has already given so much to the club,” a source told Rapport.

While negotiations have been delayed by his Springbok commitments, the Stormers are reportedly planning further talks with Willemse while he is in Ireland preparing for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test.

“The broad terms have already been agreed with Damian,” the source added.

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Meanwhile, the Stormers could offer flank Pieter-Steph du Toit a short-term contract following his departure from the Toyota Verblitz.

The 34-year-old flank is available after reaching an agreement with the Japanese club to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

However, Du Toit is not considered part of the Stormers’ Project 2029 and is also weighing up a possible move to the Boland Cavaliers.

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