Duane Vermeulen still set for coaching transition with Stormers
Duane Vermeulen announced that he would be retiring, it was quickly reported that he could still be set for a new role of sorts at the Stormers
When Duane Vermeulen announced last year that he would be retiring, it was quickly reported that he could still be set for a new role of sorts at the Stormers, where he would most likely accelerate his transition into coaching.
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However, he has also been linked with the Bulls, and on Tuesday the Pretoria-based franchise posted a teaser showing Vermeulen at a training session. Many wondered whether this was in an informal capacity, or whether he has indeed taken up a permanent coaching role.
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However, TheSouthAfrican has come to understand that Vermeulen is just spending the two next day at the Bulls, sharing some tips and catching up with various members of their squad.
Perhaps it could be the start of bigger things to come, but it’s also understood that Vermeulen is still set to head to WP Rugby and the Stormers in the near future.
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DUANE VERMEULEN IS STILL IN LINE FOR A STORMERS
As already stated by Stormers coach John Dobson previously, the franchise has been chatting Vermeulen for some time, and it’s believed to be with the intention of having him serve as defence and maul consultant.
“We started talking with Duane last year,” Dobson said. “We knew he was going to retire and he was keen to stay in Cape Town. We reached an idea where he could look after the forwards in our pathway, which is very important, making sure those guys are technically strong.
“He is technically outstanding. He acts as a player-coach wherever he goes, he certainly did at Ulster and I suspect very much at the Springboks. If we could get him up here that would be great. But it is subject to a few things….
“We see how Duane fits in here, and we think he is keen to come and we are keen to have him. But it still does need some movement off the field. There’s a will for everybody to make it happen. So hopefully we can get it wrapped up.”
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COACHING SEEMS LIKE A NATURAL MOVE
It’s been suggested that the Springboks are keen to also soon introduce Vermeulen into their coaching ranks, possibly as a defence specialist to take over from departing Jacques Nienaber, who previously covered this department.
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Vermeulen was seen alongside the likes of Rassie Erasmus and Nienaber during the Springboks’ World Cup pool game against Ireland, and even then he hinted at considering a move into coaching.
“You never know. If you had asked me this a couple of years ago, I would have probably said no,” he said. “But when you finish, you want to give back to the younger guys. If the opportunity arises, if there is a possibility, then I would love to stay in the game. I would like to help younger guys, younger players.
“You never know where life takes you…”