Bok legend Duane Vermeulen linked with new coaching role in South Africa

The 37-year-old started the Springboks' victorious Rugby World Cup final last year in what proved to be his last Test match.

Even before playing his final game, Vermeulen was being linked with a move to coaching once he officially hung up his boots, and the Stormers are reportedly closing in on his services.

According to a report by the respected South African newspaper The Rapport, the Stormers will meet with Vermeulen again next week to discuss a role within their coaching structures.

The report adds that the ex-Springbok turned down an offer to become the Bulls' defence coach in their senior set-up last year as he wished to remain in Cape Town.

Now, the Stormers have opened talks with Vermeulen, which could see him join the Cape-based side's junior ranks.

John Dobson's side already has the highly-rated Norman Laker running the senior side's defence, but Vermeulen could quickly be promoted if Laker is recruited to join the Springboks' set-up.

South Africa are in the market for a defence coach after Jacques Nienaber, the former head coach, joined Leinster following the World Cup. Nienaber was the Boks' defence coach during Rassie Erasmus' first stint as head coach and looked after the defence when he took over from Erasmus.

Vermeulen has also been tipped to take on the Bok job, but that may prove to be too much of an ask for a first coaching job since his retirement.

The Rapport states that no contract between Vermeulen, WP Rugby and the Stormers has been signed yet.

Meanwhile, Erasmus could also turn to another former Springbok to lead the national team's defence, with Jaque Fourie impressing with his work at the Lions. An overseas-based coach is also a possibility.

Vermeulen played 76 Test matches for the Springboks between 2012 and 2023, scoring three tries. He also skippered the side on four occasions.

During his playing career, he also represented the Pumas, Cheetahs, Western Province, Stormers, Toulon, Kubota Spears, Bulls and Ulster.