| Name | Damian de Allende |
| Date of birth | 25 November 1991 |
| Place of birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Gender | Male |
| Weight | 101 kg |
| Height | 189 cm |
| Nationality | South African |
| School | Milnerton High School |
| University | University of Cape Town |
| Profession | Rugby Player |
| Position | Center, Wing |
| Social media |
BRIEF BACKGROUND.
Damian de Allende is a South African Rugby World Cup champion and a center for the Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights. The South African rugby player was born on 25 November, 1991. He was born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa. His parents are Tony and Beverly De Allender. Damian de Allende’s father, Tony, is a South African rugby player who has played a crucial role in shaping his son’s career. In an interview, de Allende mentioned that they experienced financial struggles growing up, but his parents encouraged him to follow his passion.
FAMILY.
The rugby superstar is married to Domenica Vigliotti, a woman he started dating in 2019 and got engaged to in May 2022. The two tied the knot on November 18th, 2023. Domenica’s gown had the phrase ”Stronger Together,” Springbok’s official hashtag during the World Cup. Damian de Allende’s wife is an Italian and the both are parents to two children, Gabriel and Alessia.
CAREER.
Allende attended Milnerton High School before proceeding to the University of Cape Town. Having only picking the game up in his teenage years, de Allende represented Western Province at U19 and U21 level before appearing in the Varsity Cup scene with the University of Cape Town. de Allende started his professional career playing in the centers and on the wing but has secured his place in the midfield.
Allende’s career debuted with the Hamiltons Under-20 before joining the Western Province and playing at the 2012 Vodacom Cup. He made three appearances and scored one try and was then included in the 2012 Currie Cup Premier Division squad. He represented the Ikey Tigers in the 2012 Varsity Cup. In August 2013, he signed a two-year deal with the Western Province and the Stormers until 2015. He extended his stay with the Stormers until 2019. Damian was part of an amateur team in Japan, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, from 2015 to 2017.
In 2019, Damian was part of the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup. Afterwards, he joined the Japanese league Saitama Wild Knights, and later joined Irish club Munster on a two-year contract, 2020 to 2022. The athlete’s Champions Cup debut for Western Province was in 2020/2021 Pro14 competition, during a game against Harlequins, where Munster won 21-7. De Allende was part of the 2020/2021 Pro14 Dream Team during his first season with Munster. After the season, he returned to Saitama.
The player won the 2012 Absa Currie Cup with Western Province. De Allende was part of the Springboks’ next squad for the 2014 Rugby Championship and was in the starting line-up for their opening match against Argentina. He was selected in the starting XV of the South African side against the World XV for a July 2015 game, scoring two tries. Damian won the 2015 SA Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year Award. The winger started in all three tests for South Africa during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, earning his 50th cap for the Springboks during their third test victory that sealed a series win for the team. He turned out for the South Africa A team who managed a 17-13 victory over Warren Gatland’s charges.
The player has also appeared on the front cover of fashion magazines like GQ and Men’s Health.