Bath eye temporary deal with Vermeulen
Bath Rugby are interested in bringing in Springboks number eight Duane Vermeulen for the second half of next season.
Somerset Live understands they see the powerhouse as a way of covering Six Nations absentees such as Taulupe Faletau as well as boosting their back-row resources for the business end of the campaign. Whether the move would work financially, or whether the 31-yearold wants to come to the club after a stint in Japan remains to be seen. Vermeulen has left French Top14 giants Toulon after three seasons to join Top League club Kuboto Spears. With the Japanese season finishing in January, he would be available as preparations for the Six Nations begin. As well as Faletau, Bath could lose Sam Underhill and Zach Mercer during that period. “I am honoured to be a member of the Kubota family,” said Vermeulen as his move was announced. “I’m grateful to Kubota for giving me the opportunity and am looking forward to my time at the club. “I am also looking forward to being able to touch the culture with the Japanese who constantly pursue humility, honesty, and perfection and continue hard work.” After being one of the star performers in the Boks’ 2-1 series win at home to England, Vermeulen has counted himself out of contention for the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina later this summer. At 6ft 4ins tall and 18.5st, he is one of the top ball-carrying forwards on the planet. Number eight is his favoured position and it is where he has won all 42 of his caps, but he has played at six at club level and Somerset Live understands Bath would see that as an option if he does join. He is a friend of Francois Louw from their Springbok experiences and also their time together at the Stormers Super Rugby franchise and Western Province.