The two-time Rugby World Cup winner and current Springbok assistant coach is in Bloemfontein to spend time with the Cheetahs squad.

While both Vermeulen and Cheetahs head coach Frans Steyn are still relatively new to the coaching game, they've certainly earned their stripes on the field. The experience and insight Vermeulen brings from his playing days – both as a Bok and a former Cheetah – will be invaluable for younger players in the squad like Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, and even Keegan Scholtz, who has been training with the team for some time but is yet to make his debut.

Duane Vermeulen. Photo: Morgan Piek

It’s not just the loose forwards who’ll benefit from having a Springbok great around – the entire forward pack is likely to gain a lot from Vermeulen’s presence in Bloem. He’s not here to reinvent the wheel, but rather to focus on the finer details that can help elevate the Cheetahs’ game.

Although Vermeulen is close friends with Steyn and assistant coach Ruan Pienaar, even they stand to learn a thing or two from one of the sharpest rugby minds to ever wear the green and gold.

Volschenk, who crossed the try-line twice in the Cheetahs’ SA Cup round six win over the SWD Eagles this past weekend, told OFM Sport that working with Vermeulen is a massive learning opportunity.

“As soon as Coach Frans told us that Duane was coming to help out this week, I got excited,” said Volschenk, who has already captained the side.

“I think he’s won the South African Player of the Year award twice – in 2014 and 2020. He’s a double World Cup winner, in 2019 and 2023. That says it all. He’s got an incredible pedigree.

Sisonke Vumazonke. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Playing in the same position as him, I know I can learn so much. I’ve looked up to Duane since I was a kid, so I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. And it’s not just me – the whole forward pack is amped for it. It’s going to be awesome.”

The Cheetahs will face the Valke in their next SA Cup clash next Saturday in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg