| Name | Daniel Johannes Vermeulen. |
| Date of birth | 3 July 1986 |
| Place of birth | Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | South African |
| School | Hoërskool Nelspruit |
| Height | 191 cm |
| Weight | 123 kg |
| Profession | Professional Rugby Player (retired) |
| Active years | 2006 – 2024 |
| Position | Flanker, Lock |
| Marital status | Married |
| Social media |
BRIEF BACKGROUND.
Duane Vermeulen was born on 3 July 1986 in South Africa. He is 191 centimeters tall and he weighs 123 kilograms. The former Springbok star was born in Mbombela, formerly known as Nelspruit in Mpumalanga to Andre and Estelien Vermeulen. He has one younger sibling, a sister, Leandi. Duane Vermeulen lost his father when he was still ten and was raised by his mother.
FAMILY.
Duane is married to Ezél Vermeulen. The couple got married in December 2012 at the luxurious Val de Vie estate in South Africa. Ezél Vermeulen owns Dance Mouse Franchise, a dance studio in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, which she founded in August 2011. The couple has two sons.
CAREER.
The Veteran Rugby Player attended Nelspruit Primary School and Nelspruit High School. His athletic talent bloomed whilst he was still in his high school. His rugby career started in the Free State when he played in the Currie Cup for the Free State Cheetahs as well as in the Super 14 for the Cheetahs. He played for the Japanese Top League Kubota Spears in 2018 – 2020 after representing Toulon in the Top 14 from 2015 – 2018. Duane played for the Ulster in the United Rugby Championship for the 2021–22 season. His skills have been appreciated as well in the Super Rugby’s Cheetahs, Stormers and Bulls.
He joined his former coach Rassie Erasmus and moved to the Western Province rugby union in 2009, after he had played with the Free State for three seasons. He had the privilege to appear for the Junior Springboks by playing at the second level of international rugby in 2009 when the British and Irish Lions toured South Africa. Based on a success made during the domestic Rugby Season Currie Cup, Vermeulen was one of the 39 players that were in the preliminary training squad which was selected ahead of the Northern Hemisphere’s grand slam tour in 2010.
Vermeulen won the Currie Cup twice in 2007 and 2012 with the Free State and Western Province respectively. Also, he was nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award alongside four others. Dua sustained injuries and could no longer play in 2011 and early 2012 seasons. However, he was selected to play the away leg of the Rugby Championship with the Heyneke Meyer’s squad after playing nine games.
INTERNATIONAL CAREER WITH THE SPRINGBOKS.
Duane made his Springboks debut on September 8, 2012, in Perth during a rugby match between Australia and South Africa. He was selected for the Springboks’ 2012 Northern Hemisphere tour and he won a man of the match award. Duane played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England and again he was awarded a man of the match award for his performance. He was also called up for the 2023 RWC Springboks squad. He announced his retirement from rugby on 8 November 2023.