Journey Of Discovery

Playing and living in Toulon, Tokyo and Pretoria has given Duane Vermeulen a different perspective on the game.

- Jon Cardinelli

Duane Vermeulen has taken the rugby road less travelled. According to the 32-year-old – who is set for a leadership role with the Springboks at the World Cup in Japan – the journey has made all the difference in terms of the man and player he is today.

Vermeulen spent three years with Toulon before enjoying a stint with the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.

This year has seen Vermeulen – a former Stormers captain – crossing the northsouth divide to feature prominently for the Vodacom Bulls. What’s remained constant over the course of his journey, however, is his desire to help the Boks win the World Cup.

“It’s been a challenge living in ahotel for the better part of a year,” Vermeulen tells SA Rugby magazine. “Last season, I spent four months away from my family while I was playing in Japan. This year, I’ve been staying in Pretoria and travelling home to Cape Town every two weeks to visit my wife and boys. Initially, I wanted to go home once a week, but that hasn’t been possible.

“It’s not ideal. Fortunately I have a family that is very understanding. We knew in late 2017 that sacrifices would need to be made if I wanted to go to the next World Cup.

“The Japan deal was already in place at that stage and then it was confirmed that I was going to the Bulls. We’ve had to accept the challenge and move on.

“Hopefully it all pays off and I will have the chance to realise my dream of representing the Boks at another World Cup.”

Vermeulen, who assumed the captaincy on several occasions when Siya Kolisi left the field last season, will have plenty to share with the Boks leadership and coaching staff as they prepare for their campaign in Japan.

His contract with Kubota allowed him to experience Japanese rugby – and the local culture – first-hand.