Duane Vermeulen facts for kids
Vermeulen in 2012
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Daniel Johannes Vermeulen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 3 July 1986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Nelspruit, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 108 kg (238 lb; 17 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Hoërskool Nelspruit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Daniel Johannes "Duane" Vermeulen (born 3 July 1986) is a former professional rugby union player from South Africa. He was a key player for the South Africa national team, also known as the Springboks. Duane was known for his incredible strength and leadership on the field.
He played as a Number Eight, which is a powerful position in rugby. He could also play as a flanker. People often called him "Thor" because he was so strong. Many consider him one of the best Number Eights in South African rugby history.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Duane Vermeulen was born in Nelspruit, South Africa. He faced a difficult time when he was young, as his father passed away when Duane was only 10 or 11 years old.
Playing for Rugby Clubs
Duane Vermeulen started his rugby journey in the Free State province of South Africa. He played for the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and the Cheetahs in the Super 14 competition.
Moving to Western Province and Stormers
In 2009, Duane moved to the Western Province rugby union. He joined his former coach, Rassie Erasmus, at this bigger club. He quickly showed his talent playing for the Stormers in the 2010 Super 14 season. The Stormers even reached the final that year.
Duane faced some injuries in 2011 and early 2012. Despite this, he was chosen for the Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship. He won the Currie Cup twice: first with Free State in 2007, and then with Western Province in 2012. He was also made captain of the Stormers team for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Playing Overseas and Return to South Africa
In 2015, after the Rugby World Cup, Duane moved to France to play for the Top 14 club Toulon. He played there for a few years before moving to Japan to play for Kubota Spears.
In 2018, Duane returned to South Africa. He joined the Bulls team, which was a big move for him.
Joining Ulster in Ireland
In 2021, Duane Vermeulen announced he would join Ulster, an Irish team, for the 2021–22 season. He played for Ulster for two seasons, making his debut in the European Rugby Champions Cup. He left Ulster at the end of the 2022–23 season.
Playing for South Africa
Before playing for the main South African team, Duane represented the Emerging Springboks. A memorable moment was when his team played against the British & Irish Lions in 2009 and managed a 13–13 draw.
Springbok Debut and Key Matches
Duane Vermeulen made his first international appearance for South Africa on 8 September 2012. He played against Australia. His first win with the Springboks came on 29 September 2012, when South Africa beat Australia 31–8.
He was a standout player during the 2012 Northern Hemisphere tour. He even won the man of the match award against England. In 2014, he was one of five players nominated for the prestigious IRB Player of the Year award.
Rugby World Cup Success
Duane played a crucial role in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England. South Africa won their third World Cup in Japan, and Duane was named man of the match for his amazing performance. He carried the ball a lot and helped win turnovers.
He was also part of the Springboks team that won the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, making it back-to-back World Cup victories for South Africa!
Duane Vermeulen officially announced his retirement from rugby on 8 November 2023, after a fantastic career.
Major Awards and Achievements
Duane Vermeulen has won many awards and titles throughout his career:
- SARU Rugby Player of the Year: 2014
- Super Rugby Player of the Year: 2014
- Nominee for IRB Player of the Year: 2014
- Super Rugby and Unlocked Player of Year: 2020
- SA Rugby Player of the Year: 2020
- Currie Cup winner: 2007, 2012, 2020–21
- Rugby World Cup Winner: 2019, 2023
- Rugby Championship Winner: 2019
Personal Life
Duane Vermeulen married his wife, Ezel, in 2012. They have two sons together. Besides rugby, Duane has also invested in various businesses, including farming, honey, wine, and bubble tea.
See also
In Spanish: Duane Vermeulen para niños
