Double Rugby World Cup winner and former Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen is reportedly being considered for a coaching position in South Africa.
A recent report suggests that Vermeulen, who played a key role in the Springboks’ victorious Rugby World Cup final last year, is in talks for a coaching role. This final appearance marked his last Test match at the age of 37.
Vermeulen, who had been linked with coaching opportunities even before his final game, is now close to joining the coaching team of the Stormers, as per a report by South African newspaper The Rapport. The Stormers are set to meet with Vermeulen next week to finalize a position within their coaching staff.
Previously, Vermeulen declined an offer to become the Bulls’ defence coach in their senior set-up, preferring to stay in Cape Town. The Stormers are now engaging him for a potential role, possibly starting with the junior ranks of the Cape-based team. Although Norman Laker currently leads the senior side’s defence, Vermeulen could be in line for a quick promotion if Laker joins the Springboks’ set-up.
As of now, Vermeulen has not signed any contract with WP Rugby or the Stormers. South Africa, seeking a defence coach after Jacques Nienaber’s move to Leinster post-World Cup, might consider Vermeulen for the national team role, but this could be a significant step for his first coaching position since retirement.
Other potential candidates for the national defence coach role include former Springbok Jaque Fourie, who has been effective with the Lions, and possibly an overseas-based coach.
Vermeulen, who played 76 Test matches for the Springboks from 2012 to 2023 and captained the team on four occasions, has had an illustrious playing career with teams including the Pumas, Cheetahs, Western Province, Stormers, Toulon, Kubota Spears, Bulls, and Ulster, scoring three tries in his international career.
