Springbok double World Cup winner and former Ulster forward Duane Vermeulen to retire

South Africa back row Duane Vermeulen will retire from rugby having helped the Springboks claim back-to-back World Cup titles, it has been announced.

Former Ulster forward Vermeulen, 37, won 76 caps in an 11-year national team career and would likely have topped a century of appearances had it not been for injuries.

He played 34 times for Ulster across two seasons after joining in 2021.

Vermeulen (above) grew a reputation as a powerful tackler, strong ball-carrier and expert at the breakdown, and was a major leader within the Springbok squad.

The former Stormers, Bulls and Toulon forward won the majority of his caps at number 8, but did also play as a flanker, including in the most recent World Cup win in France last month.

"Duane will forever be regarded as one of the real hard men of South African rugby – he was not only a formidable force for the Springboks but also a multifaceted player who consistently delivered his best," South African Rugby president Mark Alexander said.

"He was a leader who captained South Africa in four Tests, but he also retired as the most-capped Springbok number 8 with two Rugby World Cup winners' medals – a wonderful achievement for a player who will be remembered as a true legend of the sport."

Vermeulen has been linked with a move into coaching and did not discount it when asked recently.

"If you had asked me this a couple of years ago, I would probably have said no," he said. "But when you finish [your playing career] you want to give back to the younger guys.

"If the opportunity arises, I would love to stay in the game. I love it and it is difficult to just step away when you have played professionally for 19 years."

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