Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has officially been announced as a Blue Bulls player, the union confirmed on Friday. 

The big ball-carrying loosie, who is currently plying his trade in Japan, will arrive in Pretoria in February and spend the duration of the season with the Bulls.

The 42-cap Springbok expressed his delight at moving to Loftus Versfeld.

‘2019 is going to be a massive year for us,’ Vermeulen said. ‘I’m keen on starting it with an impact at Loftus. The Bulls have always been a team that I have respected and I’m looking forward to joining the family.’

Bulls high-performance manager Xander Janse van Rensburg expressed his excitement at the acquisition.

‘Duane is an amazing rugby player, and is well respected around the world. We firmly believe that his abrasive style of play and experience will add immense value to our Super Rugby campaign next year. At the age of 32, he is a seasoned veteran that just gets better with every season.’

Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Gallo Images