This is apparently Duane Vermeulen's new team and no, it's not the Stormers - reports

Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen looks set to turn his back on a return to the Stormers in favour of a rival Super franchise.

Vermeulen currrently plys his trade for the Kubota Spears in Japan, having left Toulon last season. His return to Super Rugby is a clear bid to make the Springbok plane for the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.

Vermeulen wasn't involved in the Rugby Championship due to his club commitments in Japan.

It is now being reported that his future Super Rugby franchise has been decided, with the Bulls and not the Stormers winning the race for his signature.

Afrikaans news outlet Netwerk24 in South Africa are reporting that the move will be confirmed the next few days. What’s more, they report he has a signed a duel national contract with the Springboks, paving the way for the star to make the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

The No 8, who played for French club Toulon between 2015 and 2018, was also linked with a move to English club Bath, however the demands of English domestic rugby would invariably mean that his International aims would not be a priority.

A product of Nelspruit High School, he played for the Stormers between 2009 and 2015, after stints at the Cheetahs and Pumas.

He has been capped 42 times for the Springboks, but he will now significantly add to that tally.

Upon return to the Bok’s fold, he will have to compete for a place among the Springbok’s heavily stacked backrow depth, which includes captain Siya Kolisi, Warren Whiteley, former Stormers teammate Francois Louw, Sikhumbuzo Notshe and Franco Mostert among others.