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South Africa statement: Duane Vermeulen officially retires
By Josh Raisey
South Africa Rugby released a statement today confirming the international retirement of Duane Vermeulen after 76 Tests for the Springboks.
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Many expected the 37-year-old veteran to bow out of Test rugby after the World Cup, and it has now been made official that his 11-year Test career has been brought to a close.
Vermeulen ended his Springboks career in style, winning his second World Cup winner’s medal against the All Blacks in Paris, starting in the 12-11 win four years after he was named player of the match in the final against England.
President of the South African Rugby Union Mark Alexander led the tributes to the two-time South Africa rugby player of the year, describing him as “one of the real hard men of South Africa rugby.”
“Duane will forever be regarded as one of the real hard men of South African rugby,” Alexander said. “He was not only a formidable force for the Springboks but also a multifaceted player who consistently delivered his best,” said Mr 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.
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“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.
“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.
“I would like to wish him, his wife, Ezel, and their two sons, Anru and Zian, the best for their future.”
I see there is 2 Sam’s here Ia ma not the Sam that posted the bad language on Nigel.
Duane, you biscuit. Thank you and fare thee well
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Was a better than average journeyman but had that horrible foul play mentality and milk a penalty attitude that precluded him from becoming good. A bloke with his commendable physical dimensions with the right team could have been a great. Sadly it wasn’t to be.
GOAT 🐐
Consistency is better than rear moments of brilliance. He was very consistent every game. Never actually saw a game where he had an off day and playing badly.
Gentleman with hardly a lot of penalties behind his name never did funny things on the field played his game went in low and hard and stole many balls for us.
Legend! He’ll be sorely missed.
Thor wasn’t just a hard, physical player; he was a very intelligent player who made great decisions on the field.
One of my all-time favourite Boks.
123 super rugby games NIL red cards and 3 yellows. Equally few yellow cards and penalties given internationally - at number 8.
Irreplaceable, but with Arno Botha, Elrigh Louw, Jasper Wiese and the Du Preez bothers in supply, the future looks bright.
What a warrior - he will be missed - run-stopper, good jackaler, safe pair of hands, smart player — next man up