‘No question’ about Springboks star’s availability as Leinster dealt a hammer blow in Jordie Barrett’s replacement pursuit

A blow for Leinster as their search to replace Jordie Barrett continues.

Leinster have been dealt a hammer blow in their reported pursuit of Springboks and Stormers star Damian Willemse.

The Irish province are understood to be in the market for a replacement for All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett, who will be returning to New Zealand at the end of the season once his loan deal concludes.

Barrett joined Leinster following the November internationals on a short-term move as a sabbatical included in his New Zealand Rugby and Hurricanes contract extension.

No question for Stormers

The 28-year-old has impressed since arriving at Leinster and has been a real asset with his ability to switch between centre, full-back and wing seamlessly.

With the All Blacks star returning to the Hurricanes, Rugby Pass reported that Leinster were keen to replace him with a similarly versatile back in the form of Springboks star Willemse.

This is according to the report, billionaire Leinster superfan Paul Coulson who could help foster a move after he bought a stake in the Stormers last year. Willemse reportedly has a sponsorship deal with Ardagh, which reputedly helps him net around £425,000 a year.

It added that Coulson “wants Willemse to ply his trade” at Leinster next season and the billionaire Coulson could look to “facilitate a move” for Willemse.

However, according to Rapport, the Stormers are not willing to let the double Rugby World Cup winner leave Cape Town. Willemse is currently contracted with the Stormers until the 2027 World Cup after signing a five-year deal with the Cape Town-based team in 2022

The publication states that the Stormers are not willing to grant Willemse a sabbatical move to Leinster and there is no question about plans to allow him to leave the team.

It is not uncommon for the Stormers to release players early from their contracts with Hacijvah Dayimani leaving for Racing 92 before his contract expired.

Manie Libbok update

But the same courtesy won’t be afforded to Willemse, according to Rapport, who have seconded Planet Rugby’s report that Manie Libbok could leave the Stormers next season to take up a sabbatical deal in Japan.

While initial reports linked Libbok with a move to England and France, it is understood that the only options that the Springbok will consider are in Japan.

Rapport states that one Japanese club is showing serious interest in his services in a deal similar to that of Kurt-Lee Arendse, who has missed much of the URC season to play for the Mitsubishi DynaBoars, but he could return in time for the play-offs

Elsewhere, the Sharks have confirmed the signing of Springboks winger Edwill van der Merwe, who will make the switch from the Lions next season.