Exeter Chiefs sign Sharks forward Jacques Vermeulen

English Premiership rugby side Exeter Chiefs have signed Sharks forward Jacques Vermeulen on a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old forward is the latest addition to the squad by the English club’s Director of Rugby Rob Baxter ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Exeter start the season on Saturday with a Premiership Rugby Cup encounter at home to Bath.

Vermeulen got his first glimpse of Sandy Park on Tuesday morning, having jetted in from Cape Town, and will now waste little time in integrating himself into the club’s first-team squad.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to come to a world-class club like Exeter Chiefs,” said Vermeulen. “Today, I feel like a little boy again, excited about the challenge and just being part of the team.

“I’ve met a few of the guys and the vibe around the place is great. Everyone was so welcoming and I can’t wait to get started.”

Vermeulen becomes Baxter’s second new arrival from South Africa this summer, following in the footsteps of Jannes Kirsten.

“I think having Jannes here will definitely help me settle quickly,” said Vermeulen, who has previously represented South Africa at Under-20 level.

“Hopefully, it won’t take me too long to buy into the culture and, after that, I just want to give it 100 per cent.”

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