Griquas have managed to secure the long-term signing of one of the Stormers’ most highly-rated young players.

Damian Markus, a former Junior Springbok, joined the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan for the 2024-25 League One season before returning to Western Province and then going on loan to Griquas.

That move has now been made permanent, with the 22-year-old’s new contract set to kick in the middle of the year.

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In a Facebook post, the union welcomed Markus, who they said will be “a Pou Blou for the next couple of seasons”.

Markus made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province in 2023 and also featured in the 2024 edition of the competition. He was touted by many as a long-term fixture for the Stormers.

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He represented the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2023 and also captained WP U21.

@rugbypass Is this a future Springbok in the making? #springboks #worldrugby20s ♬ original sound – RugbyPass

Photo: Gallo Images