Duane Vermeulen is set to leave French club Toulon to return to South Africa at the end of the European season.

According to respected French sports daily L’Equipe, Vermeulen’s departure from Toulon has been made official.

He is now expected to sign a dual contract with SA Rugby and WP Rugby.

The influential No 8 left Cape Town in 2015 to head to France, but should have a key role to play with the Springboks in the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup.

Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Gallo Images