Duane Vermeulen joins new-look SA Rugby coaching staff

On Tuesday, SA Rugby announced a host of changes to the Springbok coaching staff, with Duane Vermeulen notably joining the wider SA Rugby management team after retiring following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

BREAKING: Rassie back as Springbok head coach to 2027!

Duane Vermeulen makes headline move in new SA Rugby coaching structure

Here are some key factors to take note of from Tuesday’s announcement:

• Rassie Erasmus confirmed as head coach to end of 2027
• Tony Brown (attack) and Jerry Flannery (defence) new additions
• Jaco Peyper takes on full-time team role as National Laws advisor
• Duane Vermeulen appointed to roving coaching role

Vermeulen has been appointed to a roving coaching role with all SA Rugby’s national teams, where he will become the third member of a mobi-coaching unit, joining forces with existing coaches, Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander welcomed the appointment of Vermeulen: “Duane has tremendous experience as a player and will take that IP into the coaching teams of our other national teams to give them an insight into what it takes to be a champion team.

“It also allows us to extend our own coaching base from within the ranks of the Springboks with an eye to the future.”

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Springbok coaching team:

Rassie Erasmus – Head coach

Mzwandile Stick – Assistant coach

Deon Davids – Assistant coach

Daan Human – Assistant coach

Tony Brown – Assistant coach

Jerry Flannery – Assistant coach

Andy Edwards – Head of Athletic Performance

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Fact files:

Tony Brown:

Date of birth: 17 January 1975

Place of Birth: Balclutha, New Zealand

Playing career:

• 1999-2001: New Zealand (18 Test caps)
• 1995-2004: Otago
• 1996-2001: Highlanders
• 2004-2011: Sanyo Wild Knights

• 2006: Hollywoodbets Sharks
• 2008: DHL Stormers

Coaching experience:

• 2016-2023: Japan assistant coach (attack)
• 2017, 2021-2022: Highlanders head coach
• 2014-2016, 2020: Highlanders assistant coach (attack)
• 2012-2014: Otago head coach
• 2011-2012: Panasonic Wild Knights assistant coach
• 2011: Otago assistant coach and player
• 2006-2011: Sanyo assistant coach

Education:

• Certificate in fitness management (University of Otago)

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Jerry Flannery

Date of birth: 17 October 1978

Place of Birth: Galway, Ireland

Playing career:

• 2005-2011: Ireland (41 Test caps)
• 2001-2003: Connacht
• 2003-2012: Munster
• 2003: Ireland Development XV selection

Coaching experience:

• 2020-2023: Harlequins defence and lineout coach
• 2015-2019: Munster forwards coach
• 2013-2015: Munster scrum coach

Education:

• Stage 4 assistant coach (Irish Rugby Football Union)
• Masters in Sports Performance (University of Limerick)
• Certified strength and conditioning specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association)
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography (University College Cork)