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- Warrick Gelant set to take on leadership role in Stormers backline.
- 2019 World Cup winner's work ethic earns praise from team-mate Damian Willemse.
- Gelant effectively replaces Dillyn Leyds as the Stormers' first-choice fullback.
Stormers flyhalf Damian Willemse says he is excited by the arrival of fellow World Cup winner Warrick Gelant to the franchise.
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Gelant is making the move to Cape Town from the Bulls, effectively replacing the outgoing Dillyn Leyds as the first-choice fullback at the Stormers, and his arrival is set to free up Willemse to focus exclusively on his flyhalf duties when matches resume.
Speaking to media in a video press conference on Monday, Willemse spoke about the arrival of Gelant and shared some of his views on the 25-year-old having worked closely with him at the World Cup in Japan last year.
"I'm really excited for Warrick to come down to Cape Town. He is a great signing and a world class player," said Willemse.
"We all know his attributes that he will bring and, especially with Dillyn (Leyds) leaving, he will fill that position.
"He'll definitely be a leader in that backline. It was amazing to work with him at the World Cup. That was one if the first times we had worked together, and I can't praise him enough for his work ethic and the way he plays the game.
"He's such a natural baller and I'm really looking forward to playing with him. He will also play a huge role within our kicking game. It's always such a helpful thing to have a kicker who can kick with both feet."
With the national lockdown in the fight against the coronavirus now having moved into Level 3, professional rugby teams can train again.
That might be more complicated for the Stormers given the high number of coronavirus cases in Cape Town making several districts a hotspot area, but Willemse and the rest of coach John Dobson's men are desperate to get back on the field.
"I'm just really excited to play rugby and see the boys again," he said.
- Compiled by Sport24 staff
