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damian de allende

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Silas

Damian de Allende, the seasoned Springbok centre, is nearing a significant milestone as he closes in on 100 Test caps and eyes closing out his career with a return to the Stormers in Cape Town. De Allende, currently contracted in Japan until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, expressed a strong desire to finish his professional journey where it began, for his beloved Stormers and Western Province. “Ideally, I would like to complete my rugby career in South Africa, and I would only like to finish in Cape Town,” he stated during a recent training camp in Johannesburg, highlighting how much his heart remains in the city and his commitment to give back to the team that launched his career[1][5].

De Allende, now 33, has enjoyed three seasons in Japan with the Saitama Wild Knights and intends to finish his contract there. Still, he looks forward to the possibility of playing one or two seasons back in Cape Town if all goes to plan. “I want to put both hands up, and train hard week in and week out to ensure the team is better,” he explained, underlining his desire to contribute both on and off the field[3].

His motivation remains high, particularly with the prospect of chasing a third consecutive Rugby World Cup victory with the Springboks, an achievement he said would be an ideal way to round off his international career. “A third World Cup win would be great to finish off a long career,” De Allende noted, emphasizing his continued enjoyment and sense of improvement in the game despite his advancing years[2].

In addition to his ambitions of reaching 100 Test caps, De Allende’s performances have not gone unnoticed—he was named in the World Rugby Dream Team at the 2024 World Rugby awards, recognition for his typically understated yet pivotal role with the Boks. Kiwi attack coach Tony Brown has also been credited with unlocking more of De Allende’s passing ability, expanding his skills and influence in the South African midfield and drawing comparisons to New Zealand great Ma’a Nonu[6][7].

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