Duane Vermeulen calls time on career: ‘He never settled for second best’

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, just days after the Boks’ trophy tour of South Africa, following their victory at the World Cup in France 10 days ago.

Vermeulen played 76 Tests for the Boks and wore the No 8 jersey in the World Cup finals of 2019 and 2023. He played for the Boks for 11 seasons.

Known as “Thor” to some of his fans he won 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,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.

“As someone who preferred to operate away from the limelight, Duane was one of those players who never settled for second best and always gave everything he had to his team.

“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 playing for the Pumas, Cheetahs and Western Province locally, Vermeulen also featured for several overseas teams, namely 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.”