South Africa’s number 8 Duane Vermeulen (C) holds onto the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on November 2, 2019. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
The latest rugby transfer news: Vermeulen retires, All Black goes home
Catch up on all the latest rugby transfers this week including the retirement of a Springbok Icon and a surprise move for a Wales legend.
South Africa’s number 8 Duane Vermeulen (C) holds onto the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama on November 2, 2019. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP)
There are plenty of comings and goings in rugby at the moment as franchises, clubs and provinces prepare for coming seasons.
Here we run down all the latest rugby transfer news.
Duane Vermeulen calls time on his career
Duane Vermeulen was lauded by Mr Mark Alexander, President of the South African Rugby Union, as a “Springbok great” following the decision to retire by the double Rugby World Cup-winning No 8 and a former captain of the national team.
The 37-year-old Vermeulen’s illustrious Springbok career spanned 76 Tests over 11 seasons and if it wasn’t for injuries, he would probably have racked up a century of appearances in the green and gold.
Canadian extends Castres stay
Canadian loose forward Tyler Ardron has recommitted to Castres in France.
He told the club’s media team: “I chose to continue the adventure at the CO because it is an ambitious club, I am convinced that we have a group that can do great things, it is the main reason why I chose to extend. I like the city, the fans and the whole club so I really wanted to continue my journey here. I speak French better and better, which makes my integration easier. Castres Olympique is the club that gave me the opportunity to come and play in France so thank you to the CO and the supporters, I have become a real Castres.”
All Blacks prop to ‘return home’ to the Blues
Capped All Blacks international prop Angus Ta’avao has been unveiled as the latest signing for the Auckland Blues.
Ta’avao has played 23 Tests for the All Blacks and represented New Zealand at the Under 20 level. He can prop on both sides of the scrum and has represented the Blues, Waratahs, and Chiefs in Super Rugby.
English rugby prospect signs for Cardiff
Cardiff have signed former Bath wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb on a short-term contract as injury cover according to the BBC.
Hamer-Webb has spent the last three months with New Zealand Provincial Championship side Southland Stags.
“We’re pleased to bring Gabriel in for the next few months and he comes with some really positive endorsements from his time at Bath,” said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.
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“He suits our style of play and will provide some extra depth and competition on the wing, where we currently have a couple of injuries.”
French lock trades Toulon for Perpignan
Perpignan have announced the arrival of Mathieu Tanguy, the second row from Toulon. Tanguy is committed to USAP until 2027.
As announced this Monday on L’Indepedant, USAP recruited Mathieu Tanguy as a squad player.
Wales rugby legend to bolster Crusaders
The Crusaders have confirmed Leigh Halfpenny has signed with the franchise for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
“I’ve always watched Super Rugby and the Crusaders are the team I’ve always followed,” Halfpenny Crusaders.co.nz shortly after signing his one-year contract.
“I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to join one of the best clubs in the world and I can’t wait to meet everyone.
“Rob Penney and his team couldn’t have been any more welcoming and I feel hugely honoured to be joining them.
“I’ve always loved the time I’ve spent in New Zealand on tour. It’s a passionate rugby nation and I’ve always been made to feel very much at home there. My family and I are very excited about the move.”
