Former Sharks loose forward Jacques Vermeulen has been unable to return to England to play for Exeter Chiefs after his passport was stolen in a car robbery in South Africa.

According to a report by the Telegraph, Vermeulen had specifically returned to South Africa to renew his passport, in order to continue playing in England.

However, he left his documentation in his car, which was stolen, and has since been unable to return to Exeter and subsequently missed the opening round of the Premiership.

The report adds that Exeter are working on getting an emergency visa for Vermeulen.

The 27-year-old joined Exeter from the Sharks in 2019 and has been a popular player among the fans, helping the club win the European Champions Cup in 2020.

Vermeulen experienced a difficult season in 2021-22, as a hamstring injury kept him out for 10 months but, since returning to fitness, he scored four tries in nine games.

Exeter also have former Vodacom Bulls utility forward Jannes Kirsten, former Sharks lock Ruben van Heerden and ex-Cheetahs loose forward Aidon Davis on their books.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images