Share

Duane Vermeulen signs for Toulon

Toulon - Ireland stalwart Paul O'Connell, England prop Matt Stevens and South Africa back-rower Duane Vermeulen have all signed for European champions Toulon, club president Mourad Boudjellal said on Monday.

The emblematic Ireland captain and lock O'Connell, 35, has signed for one year with the option of another as he leaves Munster following 15 years at the Irish province.

Speaking to Var-Matin newspaper, Boudjellal said O'Connell "really wanted to finish his career the way Jonny Wilkinson did", referring to the England great's Toulon swansong that ended with a French and European double 12 months ago.

O'Connell, who has 101 Ireland caps, will join following the World Cup in September and October.

Despite worries about a troublesome shoulder, he passed a medical.

South Africa-born Stevens, 32, joins from Sharks on a two-year deal after an international career for England that saw him win 46 caps, while he was part of the British and Irish Lions tours in 2005 and 2013, although without playing any test matches.

Stevens was banned for two years in 2009 after testing positive for cocaine while playing for Bath.

No 8 Vermeulen, 28, has played 29 times for the Springboks and joins from Stormers on a three-year deal, Var-Matin said.

He was one of the players nominated for the World Player of the Year award in 2014.

The trio join an impressive recruitment that has already seen the likes of All Black great Ma'a Nonu, Australia internationals Quade Cooper and James O'Connor, and American wrecking ball Samu Manoa agree to move to the reigning triple European champions.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1777 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE