Ulster head-coach Dan McFarland has hailed new signing Duane Vermeulen as 'world class'.
The 2019 World Cup final man of the match will move to Kingspan Stadium after South Africa's international matches this November.
Vermeulen will move to Ulster from the Bulls to fill the gap left by Marcell Coetzee going in the opposite direction. The 35-year-old played for three seasons at Toulon and also enjoyed a spell in Japan.
“Duane is clearly a world class player who, as the current World Champions’ starting 8 and MVP from the last RWC Final, is set to bring depth and experience to our really talented group of back rowers.” McFarland said of their new back-row.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise Bryn Cunningham’s brilliant work in orchestrating this deal from start to finish.
"It was always going to be a difficult ask to find a difference-making 8 but Bryn has definitely achieved that.”
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Rugby World Cup 2019
RWC 2019 Final Player of the Match
Rugby Championship
Currie Cups x 3 #DuaneVermeulen #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/lXbleTRkB2— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) September 16, 2021
Vermeulen says the opportunity to move to Belfast 'resonated' with him and he's looking forward to linking up with his new teammates later this year.
“Ulster and myself had detailed discussions about the club’s values, expectations and the potential role I can play going forward.
“It appealed and resonated with me to a point where I got very excited and decided to commit myself to this Ulster journey. I cannot wait to become part of the Ulster family and to serve as best I can.”
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