Sale Sharks have bolstered their forward pack with Jacques Vermeulen set to join the club ahead of the 2025/26 season on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old South African will link up with Alex Sanderson’s squad after six years with Exeter Chiefs.
A 6’6″ versatile forward who can cover lock or back-row positions, Vermeulen has joined the Sharks with more than 100 appearances under his belt following his stint in the South West.
Solid signing
He will bring physicality and work-rate as Sanderson adds yet another dominant threat in attack, defence and the breakdown to the Salford Community Stadium.
It was reported that some South African outfits were in the hunt for the signature of the versatile forward with the Bulls and Stormers said to be keen for Vermeulen‘s services in the United Rugby Championship.
The move will see him leave the struggling Sandy Park-based side and follow the steps of Springboks such as Faf de Klerk whose form in Manchester was rewarded with repeated green and gold call-ups.
It was touted that a return to his birth country was on the cards due to his ineligibility to play for England due to World Rugby regulations, but Sale‘s upward trajectory, ambition and environment where South Africans have notoriously thrived will have been a lure in securing his talent.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.
“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play,” explained their latest South African recruit who hails from Paarl.
Sale Sharks’ revolution under Sanderson has seen them being a dominant force in the Premiership with his physical defensive philosophy earning them a visit to Twickenham in the final of the 2022/23 campaign.
Quality recruitment has been a key contributing factor in their recent success with the director of rugby bringing in yet another proven talent in English and European domestic rugby.
“Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter,” he said.
Infectious enthusiasm
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate.
“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five and I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting.
“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/sale-sharks-fend-off-overseas-interest-to-sign-versatile-south-african-forward
