Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls. Photo: Steve Haag / Sports Inc
Duane Vermeulen leaves Bulls, signs for Irish giants Ulster – BREAKING
Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls.
Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls. Photo: Steve Haag / Sports Inc
Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen.
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Vermeulen, 35, will join his new team-mates after the Springboks’ end of year internationals in November.
The star 2019 Rugby World Cup winner had been on the Bulls’ books since last year.
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Ulster announced the signing on their official website, confirming that Duane Vermeulen had put pen to paper on a move to Kingspan Stadium until 2023.
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said they were delighted to secure the 55-Test veteran’s signature.
“Duane is clearly a world class player who, as the current world champions’ starting 8 and MVP from the last RWC final, is set to bring depth and experience to our really talented group of back rowers.
“As well as being an undeniable talent on the pitch, I know Duane will play an important role going forward in strengthening the winning mindset we are building as a squad.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise Bryn Cunningham’s (Ulster’s operations director) brilliant work in orchestrating this deal from start to finish. It was always going to be a difficult ask to find a difference-making 8 but Bryn has definitely achieved that,” McFarland said.
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Duane Vermeulen added: “Ulster and myself had detailed discussions about the club’s values, expectations and the potential role I can play going forward. It appealed and resonated with me to a point where I got very excited and decided to commit myself to this Ulster journey. I cannot wait to become part of the Ulster family and to serve as best I can.”
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