Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has signed a three-year deal with European champions Toulon.
According to French newspaper Var-Martin, Vermeulen will join the French giants later this year. It's a big loss for the Stormers, who have relied on the powerful loose forward's contributions and leadership to advance to the play-offs this season.
In fact, Vermeuen may very well have played his last game in Stormers colours. Coach Allister Coetzee said on Monday that Vermeulen is yet to recover from a neck injury, and may not be ready if the Stormers progress to a semi-final or final.
Toulon have also confirmed the signing of Ireland lock Paul O'Connell (one year), as well as former England prop Matt Stevens (two years), who was recently with the Sharks.
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