Damian Markus

Pace and footwork are the currency of the modern back three, and Damian Markus brings both to the Stormers in the United Rugby Championship. Born in July 2003, Markus is an outside back who can operate on the wing or at fullback, offering the kind of attacking threat that thrives on space and broken-field running. His role is to finish the chances his team creates and to provide a counter-attacking spark from deep, qualities that make a difference in a competition where margins are tight and territory hard-won. Like all young backs, his development rests on building consistency in the less glamorous facets of the job, the aerial contest, the cover defence and the decision-making under pressure that separate promising runners from complete players. As part of a Stormers side with a strong recent pedigree in South African rugby, Markus is well placed to learn within a demanding environment and to stake his claim for a regular role in the back three.