ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
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SA U/20 Rugby
2023
POSITION:
Center
CLUB TEAM:
Stormers (Cape Town - SA)
HOMETOWN:
Cape Town
DOB:
July 11, 2003
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Damian Ethen Markus, born on July 11, 2003, in Cape Town, South Africa, is a 22-year-old professional rugby union player known for his versatility and dynamic play as a centre or wing. Standing at approximately 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) and weighing around 84 kg (185 lb), Markus has emerged as a promising talent in South African rugby, now playing for the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan’s Rugby League One.
Markus’s rugby journey began in South Africa, where his talent was evident early on. He attended Middelburg HTS, where he was recognized as one of the standout outside-centres in schoolboy rugby, catching the attention of scouts and analysts. His performances at the youth level led to his selection for the Western Province youth teams, where he continued to develop his skills. In 2023, Markus represented the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where he gained significant attention for scoring a remarkable solo try. His performances during the tournament earned him a nomination for the Junior Springbok Player of the Year alongside Corne Beets and Paul de Villiers. He also captained the Western Province U21 side in 2024, showcasing his leadership potential.
Markus made his professional debut for Western Province in the 2023 Currie Cup, marking the start of his senior career. He quickly became a standout performer, featuring prominently in the 2024 Currie Cup campaign. His versatility, speed, and ability to play both centre and wing made him a valuable asset. Markus also made his mark with a debut appearance for the Stormers in a friendly match against Northampton Saints in 2024, hinting at his potential to break into the senior Stormers squad in the United Rugby Championship.
In late 2024, Markus secured a move to Japan, signing with the Shizuoka Blue Revs for the 2024/25 Japan Rugby League One season after a successful trial. He joined a strong South African contingent at the club, including Springbok captain Kwagga Smith, flanker Simon Miller, and utility back Sylvian Mahuza. Markus expressed excitement about the move, noting the warm welcome from teammates and his appreciation for the calm environment of Iwata City, Shizuoka. Unfortunately, Markus’s first season in Japan was cut short by a serious injury sustained on January 18, 2025,. This injury rulled him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 League One season.
Markus’s rugby journey began in South Africa, where his talent was evident early on. He attended Middelburg HTS, where he was recognized as one of the standout outside-centres in schoolboy rugby, catching the attention of scouts and analysts. His performances at the youth level led to his selection for the Western Province youth teams, where he continued to develop his skills. In 2023, Markus represented the Junior Springboks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where he gained significant attention for scoring a remarkable solo try. His performances during the tournament earned him a nomination for the Junior Springbok Player of the Year alongside Corne Beets and Paul de Villiers. He also captained the Western Province U21 side in 2024, showcasing his leadership potential.
Markus made his professional debut for Western Province in the 2023 Currie Cup, marking the start of his senior career. He quickly became a standout performer, featuring prominently in the 2024 Currie Cup campaign. His versatility, speed, and ability to play both centre and wing made him a valuable asset. Markus also made his mark with a debut appearance for the Stormers in a friendly match against Northampton Saints in 2024, hinting at his potential to break into the senior Stormers squad in the United Rugby Championship.
In late 2024, Markus secured a move to Japan, signing with the Shizuoka Blue Revs for the 2024/25 Japan Rugby League One season after a successful trial. He joined a strong South African contingent at the club, including Springbok captain Kwagga Smith, flanker Simon Miller, and utility back Sylvian Mahuza. Markus expressed excitement about the move, noting the warm welcome from teammates and his appreciation for the calm environment of Iwata City, Shizuoka. Unfortunately, Markus’s first season in Japan was cut short by a serious injury sustained on January 18, 2025,. This injury rulled him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 League One season.
