Duane Vermeulen joins Rassie Erasmus!

Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen is set to join forces with Rassie Erasmus at SA Rugby in a newly created high-profile position, according to South African media sources. This move marks a significant development for South African rugby, bringing a World Cup-winning veteran into the national set-up in a crucial role.

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Vermeulen, who retired last year as a double World Cup champion with the Springboks, was initially linked with opportunities within the Western Province and Stormers structures.

However, reports now suggest he has secured a full-time position directly with SA Rugby, where he will collaborate with Erasmus, who has transitioned from his director of rugby role to focus solely on his head coach duties with the Boks.

Expertise to Extend Beyond Defence Coaching

While Vermeulen’s initial involvement was anticipated to be primarily in a defence coaching capacity, his full-time appointment opens doors for SA Rugby to leverage his talents in broader areas.

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Reputable Afrikaans newspaper Rapport highlights that Vermeulen’s role will be “substantial” and extend beyond the confines of a traditional defence coach position. The exact details of his responsibilities will be unveiled upon the official announcement of Jerry Flannery and Tony Brown as the new Springbok defence and attack coaches, respectively.

Vermeulen to Assist with Wider National Teams

Vermeulen’s influence is poised to extend beyond the Springboks, with reports suggesting he will be authorized to contribute to the coaching of other South African national teams. This aligns with Erasmus’s previous responsibilities as director of rugby, although SA Rugby has no plans to fill that specific role.

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Vermeulen’s Leadership to Bolster Springbok Dominance

This development brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Springbok setup. Vermeulen’s 76 Test appearances for the Boks are a testament to his prowess on the field, while his two World Cup triumphs solidify his legendary status.

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His collaboration with Erasmus, a mastermind behind South Africa’s recent rugby achievements, has the potential to further solidify the Springboks’ dominance in international rugby.

This strategic move by SA Rugby positions Duane Vermeulen to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South African rugby. His expertise, leadership, and World Cup-winning pedigree are undoubtedly valuable assets that will benefit both the Springboks and the broader national rugby landscape.

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