Duane Vermeulen

Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls. Photo: Steve Haag / Sports Inc

Vermeulen: Why I chose to join Irish club Ulster

In his first interview with Ulster, Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen says the opportunity to join the Irish club came at the perfect time.

Duane Vermeulen

Irish club Ulster have announced the signing of Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen from the Bulls. Photo: Steve Haag / Sports Inc

Earlier this year, Ulster confirmed the sought-after signing of Vermeulen, who left the Bulls and turned down a potential contract in Japan to instead make the move to Ireland.

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The 35-year-old Bok star, who is looking to progress through to the 2023 World Cup, said he felt Ulster was the ideal club for him at this stage of his career.

You can watch Vermeulen’s interview below:

Ulster head coach Dan McFarland said they were delighted to secure the 55-Test veteran’s signature after he put pen to paper on a move to Kingspan Stadium until 2023.

“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.

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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