Duane 'will give my everything' for World Cup swansong, mulls club affiliation with Durbell

It was while going to rent a generator for a charity function his wife was helping with that Duane Vermeulen remembered again how important the Springboks are to South Africans, and why he has promised to do everything within his power to be part of the squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

"I haven't played rugby in South Africa for two years while I was with Ulster in the United Rugby Championship, and the last time I was in the Cape playing rugby was in 2015. But the minute I walked into the rental shop these two guys immediately recognised me and started talking rugby. I truly believe Nelson Mandela's quote that sport has the power to change the world, and I believe the Springboks play a massive role in this in South Africa," says Vermeulen.

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And it's exactly why one of South Africa's most decorated rugby players is putting everything into making the squad for what will be his final Rugby World Cup before he retires from a game that has been part of his life since he was a young boy, raised by a single mom, who dreamt of Springbok glory.

"I'm focused on this Rugby World Cup. If I play, I'll give it my everything. If I carry a bag or I'm on the bench, I'll give it my everything. If I'm on the sidelines helping younger players or working like a coach, I'll give it my everything. I would love to be a part of it and end my career on a proper high.

"Winning the Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of a player's career. If I could be part of that again and defend that title with this team, that would be incredible. But I'd also like the opportunity to sign off on my own terms. There are a lot of players that don't get to sign off on their own terms.

"For me,