The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension. Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
WP Rugby rubbish claims Damian Willemse costs them R5 million
Western Province Rugby have dismissed reports suggesting Damian Willemse costs the Union more than R 5 million per season.
The Stormers have been given a major boost with the news that backline star Damian Willemse has signed a five-year contract extension. Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Western Province Rugby has come out in force to deny claims that Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is on a R5 million per year contract.
It was responding to claims made in a Rapport exclusive looking into the events that have led to SA Rugby intervening in the management of the Union and the Stormers franchise.
The report claims that Willemse was convinced to remain in Cape Town after being offered a megabucks contract after the Bulls tabled a R3.8 million package.
Dobson doesn’t want players earnings made public
Stormers and Western Province coach John Dobson believes that the subject of player salaries shouldn’t be reported on.
“We want to protect the sanctity of what the players earn,” Dobson said.
The coach insisted that the amount Willemse takes home from WP Rugby is ‘considerably less’ but the organisation has not revealed the official figure.
“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.
Damian Willemse works hard for the money and you better treat him right
“Whatever Damian earns he deserves. He is a guy we really‚ really wanted to keep here.”
Western Province are believed to be forking out considerable sums to keep the likes of Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Steven Kitshoff in their employ.
Dobson has however rejected the notion that WP Rugby has engaged in reckless spending when it comes to building and retaining his playing squad.
“We can’t be throwing the money (speculated amounts) at all these players‚” said the Stormers and Western Province coach.
“I am very happy with the squad we have retained and in no way or at any stage has it been through reckless use of the chequebook.”
WP Rugby chairman Ebrahim Rasool asserted that the speculation ‘crossed a line’.
“There is a line that is crossed when you do that (salary speculation) and get it wrong‚” said Rasool. “It has implications for the players and it has implications for the cohesion of the squad.”
