England captain Jamie George didn’t hesitate to name South African legend Duane Vermeulen as the toughest opponent of his career.
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Vermeulen, who was named Player of the Match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, played a pivotal role in South Africa’s 32-12 victory over England, securing the Springboks’ third world title.
“Obviously, it was really cool when I was younger to play against some of the GOATS,” George said on Danny Care’s Hits Different show.
“Like I played against O’Driscoll and Wilkinson, all those boys like the guys I grew up supporting, but I think the best player that I played against is Duane Vermeulen.
“Like that guy honestly, he hits different. Talk about like physicality, he is ridiculous but also his game feel, his understanding. He’s like however many kilos and he still jumps in the lineout, he’s got everything.
“He genuinely has everything and like, yeah, a bit mind-blowing really.”
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.