- Duane Vermeulen will be the Bulls’ new regular skipper as they kick off the Jake White era.
- The Springbok veteran’s leadership credentials are well established.
- He’ll also have the luxury of an excellent core of senior players.
Duane Vermeulen is the man Jake White believes will spearhead the Bulls’ charge into a new era.
The 34-year-old Springbok veteran, who recently returned to the franchise following his stint with them in Super Rugby last year, will be the regular captain when he’s not on national duty.
The Bulls revealed the decision on their fan app.
Vermeulen was hailed as one of the players who spearheaded South Africa’s charge in last year’s World Cup final victory over England and clearly has the credentials, but will also be ably assisted by fine core of senior players.
Arno Botha and Gio Aplon, also new recruits, will be his deputies.
Last week, White had noted that his decision in terms of the captaincy would need to be a carefully considered.
“You’ve got a guy like him who was here last year. Then he went to the World Cup and then departed directly for Japan. He’s come back now and doesn’t even know half these players, even if they were at the Bulls,” he said.
“A lot of age-group players have now graduated into the senior ranks. They and Duane have never even trained together. Is there a formula?”
That question has now been answered emphatically.
The Bulls are expected to announce the decision more formally later on Tuesday.
– Compiled by Sport24 Staff
