Vermeulen leaves Bulls for Irish outfit

TRANSFER NEWS: Duane Vermeulen's time in Pretoria with the Bulls has come to an end.

On Thursday, Ulster confirmed that they have signed Vermeulen, who will join the team following the end-of-year Tests in November.

The 35-year-old will pull on the famous white jersey at Kingspan Stadium until 2023.

In 2019, Vermeulen was crowned Player of the Match as South Africa stormed their way to World Cup victory, lifting the Webb Ellis trophy.

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"Duane is clearly a world-class player who, as the current World Champions’ starting No.8 and MVP from the last RWC Final, is set to bring depth and experience to our really talented group of back rowers," said Ulster head coach Dan McFarland.

"As well as being an undeniable talent on the pitch, I know Duane will play an important role going forward in strengthening the winning mindset we are building as a squad.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise Bryn Cunningham’s brilliant work in orchestrating this deal from start to finish. It was always going to be a difficult task to find a difference-making 8 but Bryn has definitely achieved that."

Vermeulen added: "Ulster and myself had detailed discussions about the club’s values, expectations and the potential role I can play going forward. It appealed and resonated with me to a point where I got very excited and decided to commit myself to this Ulster journey.

"I cannot wait to become part of the Ulster family and to serve as best I can."

Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, said: "We are sad to see Duane leaving the Bulls. He has been a key figure in our setup since his arrival in 2020 and his influence, both on and off the field, has been immense. We wish him the very best for his future at Ulster Rugby.”

Ulster has been actively seeking a world-class addition to the squad following the planned deal with Leone Nakarawa falling through in June.