England head coach Steve Borthwick reportedly has his eye on these four South African players who soon qualify for the men in white on residency.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Jacques Vermeulen
A new face at Chiefs for the 2019/20 campaign, South African forward Jacques Vermeulen proved to have a memorable first year in Devon having joined from South African Super Rugby outfit, the Sharks.
He told The Telegraph: “If England see me as a valuable asset to play for them, then I’ll back that and give my best. I always try to give my best. In any working environment which is high-performance you want to give your best. I won’t be going out there thinking: ‘Oh, I’m going to play for England now because they gave me an opportunity.’ I’ll give my best for whoever I play for. When that passport comes I’ll think: ‘Oh, I’m actually part of the country now.’ I’m already part of the country, but actually a part of it.
“The thing about international rugby is that there are so few opportunities for people to do it. I saw a stat the other day – it was either England or South Africa, I can’t remember – and it said something like ‘Springbok number 900’ and it hit home that only 900-odd people have ever pulled that Springbok jersey over their heads. When you think of how many years the game has been played… any opportunity you get to play international rugby you should take it. I won’t make a decision with my heart, it’ll be with my head. Obviously the heart comes into it a bit – I live here with my family – but it makes the decision a bit easier, too.”
The all-action forward, who can play at lock or in the back row, was quickly thrust into the action following his arrival, making his first team debut in a Premiership Rugby Cup encounter against Leicester Tigers, scoring a try inside the opening quarter at Welford Road.
As the season continued, Vermeulen – who started his career with Western Province – continued to impress in the Chiefs jersey, producing numerous eye-catching displays for his new club. His relentless work-rate, steely defence and his eye for the try-line all proved invaluable as he helped Chiefs to secure not only a second Premiership title, but also a maiden Champions Cup crown with victory over Racing 92 at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
Surgery in the off-season meant he missed the opening half of the 2020/21 season, but he returned to devastating effect, helping Chiefs push forward in the defence of their titles.
Vermeulen’s work around the park, together with his aggressive defence and his ability to score tries has made him a key component of Rob Baxter’s Chiefs pack.