Vermeulen to join Premiership rivals despite interest around the world

Exeter Chiefs back-row Jacques Vermeulen will bring his six-year stay at Sandy Park to a close at the end of the season to join Gallagher Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.

RugbyPass had reported that the 30-year-old had attracted interest from the Stormers and the Bulls in his native South Africa, and Toyota Verblitz in Japan, with his Chiefs contract expiring at the end of the season, but he has agreed a two-year deal with the Sharks.

This may be a pre-emptive move by Sale, as Vermeulen has a very similar profile – capable of playing in the second-row and back-row – to Dan du Preez, who has been linked with a move to the Top 14.

Exeter, meanwhile, have already signed a replacement for the South African, who has made over 100 Premiership appearances, in Australia’s Tom Hooper.

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Gallagher Premiership

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“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks,” Vermeulen said. “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.”

Vermeulen’s new director of rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.

“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 but 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.”