Vermeulen confirms No.8 vacancy for Rugby Champs
REACTION: The upcoming Rugby Championship will give Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus the opportunity to Test a few other players in the all-important No.8 role.
After the Boks’ 10-25 defeat to England in the third Test, Duane Vermeulen confirmed that he will unavailable for the tournament, which kicks off in August.
The 31-year-old left French club Toulon at the end of the last European club season and he is expected to head to Japan soon to play in the Japanese Top League.
“It will be difficult not to be a part of it [Rugby Championship], but we’ve got a plan and I have spoken to Rassie about it and I think there is still more time in the coming weeks to work out that exact plan on what we want to do,” said Vermeulen.
“I think it is great being back. It is great being a part of a young squad and guys who are excited to play. They love to get together and it is just great to pull this green jumper over your head again.
“I am really happy to be back, and I hope to be a part of the coming Tests. I know it is not going to be the Championship, but we will see down the road.
“It is a great team, we’ve got a great captain and the guys just need to stick together.
“This is a nice phase for us building towards the World Cup and if I can be a part of that then I will be happy to give my 110 percent.”
A fit-again Warren Whiteley is a favourite to take over the Bok No.8 for the Rugby Championship, while Daniel du Preez filled that role in the Boks’ first Test against Wales in Washington D.C.
By Warren Fortune
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
