Duane Vermeulen

South African number eight and World Cup final man-of-the-match in 2019, a powerful carrying force and outstanding defensive leader whose influence on the Springboks' most successful era has been immense.

Duane Vermeulen is South Africa's powerhouse number eight, known for his exceptional ball-carrying, dominant scrummaging, and ferocious tackling. Man of the Match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England, Vermeulen's physical dominance and winning mentality have been central to South Africa's World Cup success. His ability to carry hard and clean out at the breakdown make him one of rugby's most imposing forward performers.

Vermeulen is renowned for his exceptional ball-handling skills, powerful running, and tactical awareness as a number 8. He combines physical presence in the loose with remarkable skill in open play, often acting as an auxiliary playmaker. His lineout jumping ability and work rate around the field make him one of the most complete forward players in world rugby.

Vermeulen's leadership and consistency helped establish South Africa as a dominant force in world rugby during the late 2010s. His captaincy of the 2019 World Cup-winning team secured his place among the great Springbok leaders.

• Rugby World Cup Winner 2019
• Rugby Championship Winner 2019
• Rugby Championship Winner 2016
• Rugby Championship Winner 2014
• Rugby Championship Winner 2009
• Currie Cup Winner 2009 (with Western Province)
• Currie Cup Winner 2012 (with Western Province)
• Super Rugby Champion 2010 (with Bulls)
• Super Rugby Champion 2016 (with Lions, runner-up)
• Heineken Champions Cup Winner 2015 (with Toulon)
• Top 14 Winner 2014 (with Toulon)
• Top 14 Winner 2015 (with Toulon)
• Rugby World Cup Player of the Match in Final 2019
• World Rugby Player of the Year nominee 2019

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Tries	Shirt
Stormers	2007–2011	—	0	#8
Bulls	2012–2019	146	—	#8
Kubota Spears	2020–2022	—	—	—
South Africa	—	64	—	—