Report: Bok great Duane Vermeulen leaning towards joining Stormers

It is believed that Vermeulen wishes to remain in the Western Cape, where he owns a house, to support his two sons in their rugby pursuits, the Rapport newspaper said on Sunday.

Reportedly there are ongoing discussions between Vermeulen and the Stormers regarding a potential coaching position.

The 36-year-old previously played for the Bulls from 2019 to 2021 before joining Irish club Ulster - although he spent the longest spell of his career in Cape Town, earning more than 100 caps for Western Province and the Stormers between 2009 and 2015.

It is expected that Vermeulen will conclude his glittering playing career after the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

On a different note, the Bulls have reportedly secured the services of former Springbok and Stormers lock Andries Bekker.

Following his retirement from professional rugby in 2018, Bekker served as a lineout coach for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, a club he represented for five years. Currently involved in coaching at a school in Mossel Bay, Bekker is set to join the Bulls as a forwards coach starting from 1 July.