Vermeulen's move to Ulster delayed

Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen’s move to Ulster will be delayed after he tested positive for Covid-19 while with the Barbarians team last week.

Vermeulen was due to join up with the Belfast side this week but the positive test has delayed that until he has completed a quarantine period.

The Barbarians game against Samoa was called off 90 minutes before the game on Saturday, but it is unclear if Vermeulen was among those who tested positive or if he tested positive after the weekend.

“Ulster Rugby can confirm there will be a delay in Duane Vermeulen joining-up with the Senior Men’s squad following his arrival in Belfast,” the team said in a statement Tuesday.

“As a result of testing positive for Covid-19 prior to entering the professional squad bubble, Vermeulen will not train with the team this week. He will continue to be monitored medically and is currently well.

“The Public Health Agency has been contacted, and it is expected that he will integrate into the squad over the course of next week.”

Earlier forwards coach Roddy Grant said it was “like Christmas” to have Vermeulen join the side.

"It's very exciting obviously," said Grant of Vermeulen.

"It was announced a while ago but it’s like Christmas, when it comes it’s exciting, certainly for me as a forwards coach.

"There are multiple layers of this. Guys say he’s a brilliant bloke a great leader, obviously has a huge presence.

"Young guys will pick up that, how he carries himself, how he talks, how he plays, he’s so consistent, he’s got massive plays.

"It’s sort of like modelling behaviours.

"For me, he is the best mauler in the world, you’ve got Will Skelton, Uini Atonio who are also some of the best, but I think he’s the best.

"To have him come into our maul is really exciting.

"He’s generally a world class player. It’s a pleasure to coach that."