Captain Duane says sorry to Stormers
STORMERS captain Duane Vermeulen has apologised for going “AWOL” on the eve of the team’s Super Rugby playoff against the Brumbies.
Vermeulen, who was ruled out of the Brumbies game with a neck injury, travelled to France last week where he was officially unveiled by big-spending French Top 14 team Toulon after signing a three-year contract, which shocked WP Director of Rugby Gert Smal.
Vermeulen said: “I did not go through the necessary channels to clear this trip with the powers that be at Western Province, and for that I would like to apologise.
“Not only did I let my teammates down in what was a huge week for them, but I let down the management and coaches, the union and our proud supporters,” added Vermeulen.
Smal said the matter will be dealt with internally, but added that he has already met with Vermeulen to clear the air.
“I was extremely disappointed in Duane’s actions. I had a sit down with Duane this morning and he knows in no uncertain terms that his actions were not acceptable – it is not something we will ever condone at Western Province Rugby.
“But I have accepted Duane’s side of the story and his apology too. He will apologise to the entire Stormers squad, and he will also be disciplined internally by us.”
Meanwhile, the Stormers are close to signing Sharks lock Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Smal confirmed yesterday that he met with the 22-yearold forward about moving to Cape Town after his current contract expires in June. “They (Sharks) gave me permission to talk to him. (It’s) all about putting pen to paper before we can announce anything,” Smal told EWN Sport.