Rassie Erasmus has reportedly asked Duane Vermeulen to join the Springbok squad in Wellington ahead of their Test against the All Blacks on 15 September.
Vermeulen starred for the Springboks during the three-Test series against England in June. However, after negotiations between Vermeulen and SA Rugby, it was confirmed that the player would miss the Rugby Championship due to his contractual obligations to Japanese club the Kubota Spears.
According to Rapport newspaper, the season-ending injuries to Jean-Luc du Preez and Cyle Brink have prompted Erasmus to strengthen his back row by recalling Vermeulen.
It is believed that whileKubota, who are coached by Frans Ludeke, had hoped to have Vermeulen available for their first seven league games of the season, the club is willing to release him if it receives a formal request from SA Rugby.
The Springboks slumped to a 32-19 defeat against Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday. The competition has a bye-round this coming weekend, before South Africa travel to Brisbane for a Test against Australia on 8 September, followed by the match against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Gallo Images
