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Vermeulen linked with former club after Ulster's URC exit
By Ian Cameron
Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen is being linked with a move back to the Bulls by Netwerk24</em>, following his departure from Ulster.
Ulster were dumped out of the URC play-offs by Irish provincial rivals Connacht on Friday night at the Kingspan, a defeat that marks a disappointing end to the Bok legend's time in Belfast.
Now, according to reports, the Blue Bulls Company is in talks with the veteran to head back to Loftus for a short-term stint, where he could play in the Currie Cup and serve as a mentor, as part of his preparations for the international season.
Although Vermeulen is expected to retire from Test rugby after the Rugby World Cup in France later this year, it remains to be seen whether he will return to the Bulls. The rise of Jasper Wiese and Evan Roos means that his place in the Springboks is by no means a given.
Vermeulen, who will turn 37 years old in July, has not yet indicated where his movements. He previously played for the Cheetahs, Stormers, and Bulls in South Africa, and there is no doubt that various South African teams would be happy to welcome him back. He has 63 caps for his country, including a Player of the Match performance in the 2019 World Cup Final against England.
During his time in Belfast, Vermeulen became a fan favourite, with his all-action performances becoming a regular highlight at Kingspan Stadium. He captained Ulster to important wins away against South African opposition earlier this season and filled the gap left by fellow Bok Marcell Coetzee, who himself returned to SA in 2021.
The 6'4, 115kg loose forward endured a couple of injury setbacks last year, and at the age of 36, many believed his omission from the Springboks' end-of-year tour was an indication that management are looking elsewhere. However, it was later explained that the South African icon was simply being managed.
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Latest Comments
Trump is most definitely random.
In this context though we are talking about the tone of recent event’s on this websites articles, which came well before Trump was made a fool and retaliated. Surely you read the part were I said it’s unfortunate given that they’re trying to find new sponsorship right now?
Well year I couldn’t comment on that, haven’t watched league up their in yonks, but I’ll say the Prem sides I’ve seen in CC certainly match you’re description of them. Pro rugby here only had the summer window, so I’d imagine that helps a lot in terms of scoring though, as do South Africa’s hard grounds? The rugby is the rugby anyway, I was more interested in the broadcast quality perspective. France’s is unique right? Prem on BT used to have some pretty dour sideline analysis, but that was half due the look, being two guys standing on the side of the pitch at night in your winter talking about the game. SRP does that now but is full on ott.
Go to commentsRight. But are they actually doing anything to ever base themselves in the islands with a mostly Pi born roster?
Or are they just content to be a 6th NZ team, filling their squad with Kiwis and Aussies (and an Englishman), spreading the talent even thinner than it already is, and make excuses every season why it’s not possible to play in the islands, let alone be based there? No, because most of their squad would rather stay home than do that.
If the Drua can manage all these things, why can’t this ‘island’ side?
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