Duane Vermeulen, the South African rugby veteran, is on a personal mission to secure a place in the 2023 World Cup squad. Despite being left out of the 2022 end-of-year tour roster, Vermeulen was in recovery from a medical procedure before rejoining Irish club Ulster.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Vermeulen’s journey. The enforced hiatus after the 2019 World Cup allowed him to rest and rejuvenate, prompting him to reevaluate his commitment to the game.
In an interview with RugbyPass, Vermeulen expressed how Covid played a significant role in his decision not to retire from the international game in 2021. He remains focused on his goals, working closely with coaches Rassie and Jacques, whom he shares a long and fruitful professional relationship with.
With the emergence of Jasper Wiese as the new incumbent at No 8, Vermeulen acknowledges that the dynamics have evolved. He is prepared for a potential change of role within the squad, even if it means not being a starter. He remains undeterred and is committed to contributing to the team in any capacity he can.
The Springboks are set to begin their Rugby Championship campaign on June 11th in Pretoria. With players vying for a spot on the prestigious team, the championship will be an exciting precursor to the main event.
The Springboks’ schedule includes three Rugby Championship matches: Australia at Loftus Versfeld on July 8th, New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on July 15th, and Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on July 29th.
Before the World Cup, the team will also participate in three warm-up games against Argentina, Wales, and, in a dramatic encounter, New Zealand. The matches will take place in Buenos Aires on August 5th, Cardiff on August 19th, and London on August 25th, respectively.
The team will embark on a one-week camp in Corsica before diving into the World Cup. Following this intensive training session, the Springboks will travel to Toulon for their opening World Cup fixture against Scotland.
Duane Vermeulen’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the pursuit of excellence in South African rugby. He exhibits an unwavering commitment to his goals and a spirit of determination and adaptability in the face of ever-shifting dynamics.
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