Griquas confirm multi-year signing of Junior Springboks star ahead Currie Cup title defence

Thursday, 08 January 2026 at 16:26

byTom Sansom

Griquas have secured the long-term signing of one of the Stormers’ brightest young talents, Damian Markus, in a move that will see the 22-year-old join the Northern Cape outfit permanently from mid-year.

Markus, a former Junior Springbok, spent the 2024–25 season in Japan with Shizuoka Blue Revs before returning to Western Province and going on loan to Griquas. That temporary arrangement has now been made permanent, with the union confirming in a Facebook post that Markus has agreed a move for at least two seasons.

The centre made his Currie Cup debut for Western Province in 2023 and also featured in the 2024 edition of the competition. He has been touted as a long-term prospect for the Stormers, though he has yet to make an appearance for the Cape side in the 2025/26 URC or Champions Cup campaigns.

Markus also boasts an impressive junior pedigree, having represented the Junior Springboks at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship and captained the Western Province U21 side. His intelligence, speed, and ability to read the game make him a versatile and promising addition to the Griquas backline.

The Griquas statement read:

“New Player Alert! Suzuki Griquas proudly announce the arrival of Damian Markus to Kimberley. Damian, a quick and intelligent centre, joins us from Western Province and will be a Pou Blou for the next couple of seasons. Welcome to the Northern Cape Damian and we know you will enjoy your time here with us. The Northern Cape will treat you well.”

Markus’s permanent move gives him the opportunity to establish himself as a key figure, as the Griquas defend their Currie Cup title next season. The 2025/26 season promises to be a pivotal one for Markus as he looks to make the step up and translate his junior 'boks and loan performances into a full-time starring role for the Kimberley outfit.