South African · Cape Town, South Africa · Born 25 November 1991Damian de Allende is a South African centre renowned for his physical defense and go-forward ball-carrying, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
Two Rugby World Cup winner's medals, in 2019 and 2023, make Damian de Allende one of the most decorated centres in South African history, and the battering directness he brought to the Springboks' midfield was as central to Rassie Erasmus's back-to-back title blueprint as any individual in the squad. He made his debut for Western Province before joining the Stormers in Super Rugby. De Allende made his Springbok debut in 2014 and developed into one of the most powerful and reliable centres in world rugby, renowned for his direct running style and defensive solidity. He played club rugby in Japan for the Kintetsu Liners before joining Ireland's Munster in 2020, spending two seasons in the URC. De Allende was a key figure in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, becoming one of a select group of players to win the tournament twice, and his consistent, battering-ram style of centre play became a defining feature of the Springboks' World Cup-winning gameplans under Rassie Erasmus. De Allende moved to Japan's Panasonic Wild Knights (now Saitama Wild Knights), continuing to represent South Africa while playing his club rugby in Japan, and remains one of the most respected and battle-tested centres in the modern international game.
Springbok centre, two-time World Cup winner
How They Played
De Allende is a physical, direct runner who excels at breaking through defensive lines with his powerful carries and offloading ability. His defensive work is equally impressive, using his strong frame to shut down attacking threats in midfield. He combines pace with excellent ball-handling skills and has developed into a complete centre capable of both creating and finishing scoring opportunities.
Lasting Impact
De Allende helped establish South Africa's dominant centre partnership that was crucial to their World Cup success and has become a cornerstone of modern Springbok rugby.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 2019, 2023
- Rugby Championship titles
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormers | 2012–2020 | 82 | 11 | #12 |
| Munster | 2020–2024 | 144 | 11 | #12 |
 South Africa | — | 72 | 4 | — |
South African Athletes