Jacques Vermeulen: I must prove myself again

By Mark Stevens

As one successful chapter ends for Jacques Vermeulen at Exeter Chiefs, the hard-hitting South African forward says he’s ready to write a new one with Sale Sharks in the Premiership.

The powerful back rower departs Sandy Park this summer having established himself as one of the Chiefs’ most impactful overseas signings, leaving an indelible mark on the Devon club during his six-season stint.

Arriving from the Sharks in his native Durban in 2019, Vermeulen – alongside compatriot Jannes Kirsten – quickly became a cornerstone of Rob Baxter‘s formidable pack, helping drive the Chiefs to the pinnacle of European and domestic rugby.

His relentless work-rate, physical presence and ability to consistently cross the gain line made him a fans’ favourite in Devon.

A key figure in Exeter’s historic double-winning season of 2019/20, Vermeulen’s contribution to the Chiefs’ first Champions Cup triumph and subsequent Premiership title cemented his legacy at the club.

Sale Sharks Move

Now, as he prepares to enter new waters up in Manchester, the 30-year-old brings his wealth of experience and winning mentality to a Sharks side with lofty ambitions of their own.

Alex Sanderson’s men have shown they have the foundations to challenge at the top end of the Premiership – and in Vermeulen, they’ve acquired a proven winner who knows what it takes to lift silverware.

“Winning the double back in 2020, that’s the greatest achievement of my career so far,” said Vermeulen. “We had such a strong group of players, not just a 23 that did well, but it was a massive squad effort. We had to put out two teams a week during that Covid period and everyone played their part.”

However, the years that have followed have not been as successful for the Devonians, who saw many of their frontline stars depart for pastures new. Vermeulen is one of just a handful of that squad that currently remain in the ranks, but he too is set to leave for a new challenge ahead.

“The last few years have been tough, going from a winning side who were always top of the log to now trying to build again,” he continued.

“It’s been frustrating for all of us, but it probably comes down to squad depth these days. In the past, if a guy got injured, there was another guy who would come in and perform. Exeter don’t have that now.

“What they have, however, is an exciting group of young players who want to do well. To get that success, though, it’s going to take a bit of time and the fans need to understand that.”

Offer too tempting

For Vermeulen, time is not quite on his side and although he was open to prolonging his stay with the Chiefs, other more tempting offers were put on the table, one of which was from the Sharks.

“I chatted with Alex Sanderson and from the word go they told me what they’re all about, what they stand for, and I knew straight away I could be part of that,” said Vermeulen.

“I can see a squad there that can win things.

“At my age, I don’t want to retire having won just one Premiership and one European Cup. There is so much talent in their squad and it’s a challenge I’m very much looking forward to.

“Like with any new club, I know I have to go there and prove myself. I can’t live off what I’ve done or achieved in the past, it will be up to me to work hard and show the coaches what I am all about.”

Between now and the end of the season, though, Vermeulen has a job to finish with the Chiefs.

“I want to finish my time in Exeter on a high,” he says. “I will always be grateful to everyone in Exeter. From the coaches, the staff, the boys I’ve played with, right down to the fans and the friends I’ve made, it’s been awesome for me. The time, though, is right for a change.”