Duane Vermeulen Ulster

Eyebrows were raised when Duane Vermeulen was not selected in last Saturday’s 43-man Springbok squad for the upcoming international season. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

Ulster receive early ‘Christmas present’ as Vermeulen arrives

Ulster forwards coach Roddy Grant says the arrival of Springbok star Duane Vermeulen is a truly exciting prospect for the club.

Duane Vermeulen Ulster

Eyebrows were raised when Duane Vermeulen was not selected in last Saturday’s 43-man Springbok squad for the upcoming international season. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

Earlier this year, Ulster confirmed that the World Cup-winning Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has signed with the Irish club through to 2023.

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Vermeulen, who has already highlighted his desire to try to play through to the next World Cup after he missed the British & Irish Lions tour due to injury, has said careful consideration went into the decision to join Ulster.

“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.”

Ulster Rugby had been actively seeking a world-class addition to the squad following the planned deal with Leone Nakarawa falling through in June.

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After featuring for the Barbarians last weekend, Vermeulen has now linked up with Ulster, and his arrival has been warmly welcomed by both players and coaches.

“He’s in Belfast and going through the protocols of coming in. There are a few things to that. We’re just getting through it today, we’ll see how we go,” Ulster forwards coach Roddy Grant told RTE Sport.

“It (Vermeulen’s signing) was announced a while ago but it’s like Christmas, when it comes it’s exciting, certainly for me as a forwards coach.”

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Vermeulen expected to add all-round value

“There are multiple layers of this. Guys say he’s a brilliant bloke a great leader, obviously has a huge presence,” Grant added

“Young guys will pick up that, how he carries himself, how he talks, how he plays, he’s so consistent, he’s got massive plays.”

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