Jake White pays tribute to Duane Vermeulen

Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White has led a chorus of praise across South Africa for Duane Vermeulen who has confirmed his retirement from rugby.

Vermeulen enjoyed an illustrious and exemplary career with honours that will undoubtedly live long in the memory.

Jake White pays tribute to Duane Vermeulen

Thor as he is affectionately known by his peers and fans alike, has left an indelible mark in the hearts of all South Africans who will remember him as one of the greats of the game.

ALSO READ: The latest rugby transfer news

His unmatched success has seen him become a star whose name is engraved on honours boards at club and national level.

The 37-year-old represented the Bulls with distinction in 23 matches across four campaigns – Super Rugby, Currie Cup, Super Rugby Unlocked and Rainbow Cup – between 2018 and 2022, winning the Currie Cup and Super Rugby Unlocked competitions.

ALSO READ: When will Springboks be available for the URC?

White saluted Vermeulen and said: “On behalf of the Vodacom Bulls family I would like to congratulate Duane on what has been an exemplary career. He was an influential player during his time with us at Loftus, with an incredible work ethic and an ability to swing a game and turn it on its head in an instant,”

“He was an absolute workhorse with technical and tactical prowess that gave our forward pack/scrums the perfect foundation to attack set pieces with great confidence. As a coach, you take a lot of confidence from a player who you know can stand and deliver and he was able to do so time and time again for us. A great leader and an all-round good person for his colleagues to be around as well.”

ALSO READ: All Blacks prop to ‘return home’ to the Blues

“I know that wherever he has played, he has been well-received and respected, proving to be a great presence for fans, players and administrators alike.

“What he has been able to achieve in his career is remarkable. He can be proud of both his achievements on the field and those he has inspired others to pursue off the field.”

ALSO READ: All Blacks’ family members attacked with knife at Rugby World Cup

More praise for retiring Bok

BBCo Chief Executive, Edgar Rathbone added: “Duane was a great servant and ambassador of our franchise, inspiring the younger generation to fall in love with our beautiful game. We will always be grateful for the time he spent at Loftus and our memories are richer for having seen him run in the famous blue, helping us lift championships in the process,”

“We wish him all of the very in his retirement as he enjoys more time with his family and young kids.”