De Allende playing with more freedom, eyeing a big Stormers return

DAMIAN de Allende has this strong urge to end his illustrious career under Table Mountain for the Stormers.

- LEIGHTON KOOΡΜΑΝ

With his contract in Japan set to run until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Springbok inside centre pinned his hopes on staying fresh and healthy to have his international swansong at the tournament Down Under.

If everything goes according to plan and he can help the Boks to a third title in a row, he will look to move back home to have one last hurrah in the blue-and-white hoops of the Cape side.

“A third World Cup win would be great to finish off a long career,” De Allende said this week during the Bok camp in Johannesburg.

“I have about two seasons left in Japan and I really enjoy it there.

“My body still feels very good, and I will see how it is after the next two years.

“Ideally, I would like to complete my rugby career in South Africa, and I would only like to finish in Cape Town.

“So, if the chance does come, and I can play a season or two there for the Stormers and WP, I would love to.

“But we will see when the time comes. I don’t see myself finishing my career anywhere else but Cape Town.”