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Duane Vermeulen set for Toulon move: report

ESPN Staff

Duane Vermeuelen looks set to join Ma'a Nonu in Toulon after RWC 2015 © Getty Images Enlarge

Springboks star Duane Vermeulen looks set to be the latest big name to join French giants Toulon with English club Bath reportedly pulling out of the race to sign the No.8.

British media reports suggest Bath have decided against offering Vermeulen a massive deal despite pleas from his Springboks teammate and Bath backrower Francois Louw, leaving Toulon as the likely destination for the 28-year-old back-rower. Vermeulen is now expected to follow the lead of All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu, and Northampton star Samu Manoa, and join the reigning European and Top 14 champions after this year's Rugby World Cup.

Vermeulen enjoyed a wonderful 2014 season with the Springboks; heroic efforts in two Rugby Championship classics with the All Blacks leading to a nomination for the World Rugby Player of the Year Award. That honour was eventually bestowed upon All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick but the game was left in little doubt as to Vermeulen's class.

Meanwhile, Vermeulen is tipped to replace the injured Jean de Villiers as captain of the Stormers for 2015.

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