The highly effective No 8 was twice named SA Rugby Player of the Year.
Two-time World Cup-winner Duane Vermeulen has confirmed his retirement from all rugby.
The 37-year-old Vermeulen made the news official on Wednesday, simply days after the Boks’ trophy tour of South Africa, following their victory on the World Cup in France 10 days in the past.
Vermeulen performed 76 Tests for the Boks and wore the No 8 jersey within the World Cup finals of 2019 and 2023. He performed for the Boks for 11 seasons.
Known as “Thor” to a few of his followers he gained the SA Rugby Player of the Year award twice, in 2014 and 2020.
‘Gave everything’
“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,” mentioned SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.
“As somebody who most well-liked to function away from the limelight, Duane was a kind of gamers who never settled for second greatest and all the time gave every thing he needed to his crew.
“He was a leader who captained South Africa in four Tests, but he also retired as the most-capped Springbok No 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.”
‘Springbok great’
Besides enjoying for the Pumas, Cheetahs and Western Province regionally, Vermeulen additionally featured for a number of abroad groups, specifically Toulon, Kubota Spears and Ulster.
“Duane made a massive impression wherever he went, and looking at his achievements all over the world, it’s clear that he was not only a Springbok great, but a superb ambassador for South Africa,” added Alexander.
“I know Duane still has a lot to give back to our wonderful game, but as his playing career comes to an end, on behalf of the entire South African rugby family, I would like to thank Duane for his selfless service to his country and the Springboks, as well as his provincial unions.”
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