Duane Vermeulen to join Boks coaching staff?

Rassie Erasmus is reportedly considering installing Duane Vermeulen as the Springboks’ next defence coach.

While the 36-year-old veteran No 8 is expected to hang up his boots after the 2023 World Cup, Vermeulen may be in line for a player-coach role at the tournament in France, an experiment that may evolve into a permanent post as defence coach.

Rapport also suggests that Vermeulen’s agent is in talks with the Bulls and the Stormers over the possibility of a club contract on his return to South Africa to prepare for the 2023 World Cup.

A source close to the Stormers is quoted as saying “broad discussions with Duane’s agent are ongoing”, and “Duane still has a lot to offer”.

Vermeulen’s immediate transition to the coaching ranks, though unprecedented at the Boks, would solve the exit of defence guru Jacques Nienaber to Leinster after the World Cup.

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission.