No hard feelings over Willemse choice - Jake

Springbok fullback Damian Willemse will make his first trip to Loftus Versfeld this week after turning down a lucrative offer from the Vodacom Bulls and deciding to stay at the Stormers.

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But while there has been a tug of war for the players’ services, now that he has made his decision, Bulls coach Jake White was quick to point out there was “no hard feelings” despite some sections of the Cape media looking to play it up.

White said he respected Willemse’s decision, but also that he “hoped he gets his rugby right” because as a player, Willemse is “talented.”

Willemse chose to stay in Cape Town, and while there are rumours that he was offered a significant sum to stay there, his rugby over the past few seasons with the Cape side has hardly been inspirational, as he has struggled between flyhalf and fullback and not found the same form as when he burst onto the scene a few years ago.

“Everyone has to make decisions in life, and I respect his decision. He has made it clear that he likes the lifestyle in Cape Town and he is happy there, so I wish him all the best. There are no hard feelings,” White said.

“He is a good rugby player and that is why we were chasing him, but at the same time, you want people who want to come to Loftus and come and play for the Bulls.

“If his heart is not set in it, then it is okay. The first prize for us is that a player wants to join the Bulls and wants to be part of the team. If he is not keen then it makes it easy.”

White said he wanted the player to succeed, something that will benefit the Springboks ultimately.

“There are no hard feelings. He is going to sign for three years and I hope he gets his rugby right because we all know he is talented.”