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Why Bok star Duane opted to return to SA

Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has revealed the main reason for his decision to return to South Africa later this year.

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Vermeulen, who currently plies his trade at the Kubota Spears in Japan, has signed a contract with the Bulls and will join the Pretoria outfit in June.

Vermeulen has hopes of playing against the British and Irish Lions when they tour South Africa next year, but told Rapport that his family was the main factor behind the decision to come home.

Vermeulen's wife Ezel and their young sons, Anru (who's in Grade 1) and Zian (3), have stayed behind in Cape Town while he plays in Japan.

"My wife also can't do everything and still run her own business. It’s hard, you’re not together and I can’t leave her alone,” Vermeulen said.

Vermeulen featured prominently for the Bulls last year before serving as a key member of the Springboks' Rugby World Cup-winning team in Japan.

Since then, he has been an integral player for his Japanese side, the Kubota Spears.

- Compiled by Herman Mostert

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