Nick Timoney, Duane Vermeulen’s teammate at Ulster, says the player is unquestionably one of the top loose forwards in the game.
Vermeulen, according to Timoney, is a fantastic team player and a valuable addition to any side.
SPRINGBOKS STAR MAKES AN IMPACT IN BELFAST
Timoney says that having Vermeulen in their group brought about a certain tranquility.
He was so calm and easygoing that nothing seemed to upset him. He had an incredible disposition.
However, he was able to blend that with unbelievable physique and incomprehensible aggression, and he never performed at a less intense level. I don’t think I’ve ever come across someone who is equally good at each of those traits.
“He was never caught being overly carefree when he was on the pitch, but he also never showed signs of stress or anxiety or getting worked up over anything.”
Finding someone with that kind of attitude is uncommon.
THE UNFLAPPABLE LOOSE FORWARD DUANE VERMEULEN
Timoney claims that there was a certain calmness that came with having Vermeulen in their group.
He had an amazing disposition; nothing ever appeared to worry him, and he was incredibly peaceful and laid back.
But he managed to combine that with incredible physicality and unfathomable aggression, and he never played at a lower level of intensity. I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered someone who possesses both of those qualities to the same extent.
“He was never caught being overly carefree when he was on the pitch, but he also never showed signs of stress or anxiety or getting worked up over anything.”
It’s rare to come across someone with that kind of demeanor.
“It’s pretty rare in my experience anyway, and that was pretty cool.”
Vermeulen indicated his intention to retire after the Rugby World Cup and will not return to the Kingspan for another season.
