South African lock/back row Stefan Willemse played in Major League Rugby during the 2020 season. He represented Rugby ATL for his entire MLR career.

Willemse came up through the domestic system in his native South Africa, playing with the Blue Bulls U19 side in 2011, the Sharks U21 side in 2012, and the Eastern Province U21 side in 2013. He played senior rugby with the Eastern Province in the Vodacom Cup between 2013-2014. He is a bit of journeyman, having represented the Southern Kings, Western Province, Eastern Province, and the Pumas between 2016-2019.

Willemse signed with Rugby ATL ahead of their inaugural season in MLR in 2020, appearing in all 5 games before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the season, starting 4 of them. He finished 10th in MLR for tackling at the time the season shut down. He did not return to MLR for 2021, instead playing with the Griquas back in the Currie Cup in South Africa.

achievements

• 10th in League Tackling: 2020 (59)