Duane Vermeulen has left a massive void at No 8 for the Springboks after retiring last year, but he has immediately begun to fill another role of immense value.
Earlier this year, SA Rugby announced a host of changes to the Springbok coaching staff, with Duane Vermeulen notably joining the wider SA Rugby management team as a ‘roving’ coach.
The former Springbok stalwart will be involved with all SA Rugby’s national teams, where he will become the third member of a mobi-coaching unit, joining forces with existing coaches, Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko. However, it’s clear that when it is Springbok season, this is where his primary focus will be.
In a fascinating video clip shared to social media, it’s clear how influential Vermeulen is already becoming. With the footage shining a spotlight on the 38-year-old during his role on the touchline against Portugal this past weekend, Vermeulen can be seen in constant communication with the coaching staff and other members of management, while also sharing some special moments with young players on the bench.
You can see the insightful video clip showcasing Vermeulen in his new Springbok role below:
Coaching transition
Earlier this year, Rassie Erasmus explained why they had opted to bring Vermeulen straight into the management team, despite having almost no experience as a coach.
“He’s not a guy that is the boss of the players or anything like that. He’s on their level… He brings in things that are still relevant. I can try to teach guys how we used to steal ball at the breakdown, and we can look at other coaches, but Duane is a guy who played last year and played against the Irish and for Ulster.”
“He’s part of our management team and sometimes in team selection meetings,” Erasmus said.
“Sometimes when we think someone isn’t performing and we need to talk to him, Duane can bring a player’s perspective into it, which helps a lot.
“He’s 38, so he’s not a young man anymore. He talks with real experience, and I think the players have received him well. I think he’s really adapted in a way where nobody feels uncomfortable, and I’m really glad about that.”
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