'Springbok great' Duane Vermeulen hangs up boots
SA Rugby on Wednesday confirmed Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen's decision to retire from all rugby following the recent World Cup victory in France.
The 37-year-old Vermeulen’s career spanned 76 Tests over 11 seasons.
The Mpumalanga-born player made his test debut against Australia in Perth in 2012.
He started 68 of his Tests in the No. 8 jersey, played three times as a flanker and five times off the bench, scoring three tries for South Africa.
His last match was the historic 2023 Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand in Paris - a game that led the team to win the title for the fourth time.
Vermeulen was also part of the Bok team, which won the World Cup in 2019.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander lauded Vermeulen as a Springbok great.
“Duane will forever be regarded as one of the real hard men of South African rugby – he was not only a formidable force for the Springboks but also a multifaceted player who consistently delivered his best.
“As someone who preferred to operate away from the limelight, Duane was one of those players who never settled for second best and always gave everything he had to his team.
“He was a leader who captained South Africa in four Tests, but he also retired as the most-capped Springbok No 8 with two Rugby World Cup winners’ medals – a wonderful achievement for a player who will be remembered as a true legend of the sport," says Alexander.
Alexander says Vermeulen made a massive impression wherever he went.
"...And looking at his achievements all over the world, it’s clear that he was not only a Springbok great, but a superb ambassador for South Africa,.
“I know Duane still has a lot to give back to our wonderful game, but as his playing career comes to an end, on behalf of the entire South African rugby family, I would like to thank Duane for his selfless service to his country and the Springboks, as well as his provincial unions.”
