Toulon's Duane show angers Gert
Stormers boss Gert Smal was not happy with Toulon's behaviour on Thursday, which could be a major distraction ahead of their Super Rugby play-off date.
As the Stormers stepped up preparations for their preliminary knock-out encounter with the Brumbies at Newlands on Saturday, Toulon stole the show by formally unveiling their captain as a member of the Toulon squad.
The Springbok back row forward, Vermeulen, joined the South African contingent at the three-time European champions Toulon on Thursday/
The 28-year-old No.8 penned a three-year deal with the French giants, after seven years with he Stormers in Cape Town.
He will join up with his new teammates once the World Cup finishes on October 31.
Smal, the Western Province Director of Rugby, admitted that he was not happy that Toulon had chosen Thursday to unveil their most recent signing.
"We're obviously not happy with what we've seen in the media, with the pictures and press coverage from Toulon," Smal said.
"However, we cannot comment on the matter until we have spoken to Duane Vermeulen upon his return from France."
Smal said the team will remain focused on Saturday's knock-out encounter with the Brumbies.
"Our only focus at this stage is on the 23 players that are fit and have thus been selected in the Stormers squad for Saturday's Super Rugby qualifier against the Brumbies and to ensure that they remain focused on the task at hand, which is winning and progressing further in the tournament."
Addressing a media briefing in Toulon, Vermeulen shrugged off fears that his neck injury will sideline him from the World Cup.
The 108kg, 1.95m giant admitted that the injury almost put paid to his hopes of featuring at the showpiece event in England.
"I had a neck injury and I had pain which went into my shoulder and down into my arms," said the 29-cap Vermeulen.
"But now everything is fine and I hope to be back on the pitch in two to three weeks."
Vermeulen said he opted for Toulon after talking to international teammates Bakkies Botha and Bryan Habana, both on the books of the club.
He also said he wanted a change of lifestyle for himself and his family.
"It's a new challenge in my playing career and in my personal life. I am coming with my family. It's a new culture and a new language to learn.
He added: "I talked with Bakkies Botha and Bryan Habana before coming. They told me about the way the club functions and the life here.
"Toulon is a great rugby place and the team has great players with a winning culture, In three years, Toulon will win everything and I want to be part of the adventure."
Before the World Cup and his switch to the Top 14, Vermeulen still has work to do.
His franchise are already into the Super Rugby play-offs, while South Africa have the four-nation, Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship to play.
At the end of August, the Springboks will start their preparation for the World Cup which starts on September 18.
Présentation de Duane Vermeulen by rctoulon
