Jacques Vermeulen Signs for Sale Sharks
Exeter Chiefs back rower Jacques Vermeulen has agreed a move to Sale Sharks for the 2025/26 season.
The 30-year-old back-row forward will join Chiefs’ Gallagher Premiership opposition after six seasons as a Chief, during which time he was a trophy winner in the 2020 double for Exeter.
“As my time with the team comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to express how truly incredible this journey has been,” Vermeulen said.
“From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms by each and every one of you, and together, we created something truly special.
“To the supporters; your unwavering passion and dedication have been a constant source of motivation, both on and off the field. Your energy and commitment to the team have made all the difference, and I will always carry that with me.
“To the players; playing alongside such talented, driven, and passionate individuals has been an honour. Every training session, match and moment shared has taught me something invaluable. The bond we share will always hold a special place in my heart.
“Then to the staff; your hard work, guidance, and support have been integral to our success. I have learned so much from each of you and I am forever grateful for your leadership, encouragement, and tireless efforts to make this team the best it can be.
“As I take the next step in my journey, know that I will cherish every memory, every challenge, and every triumph we experienced together. This chapter may be coming to an end, but the connections we’ve built and the lessons we’ve learned will stay with me forever.
“Thank you all for making this experience one I will never forget. Devon will always be close to my heart for all the special friends that I have made here outside the club, and I will always come back for a visit.”
Signing for Chiefs ahead of the 2019/20 season, the South-African born forward brought a raw edge to the Exeter pack which already housed the power of Dave Ewers and Don Armand in the back row.
The 6ft 5in powerhouse kicked off his senior career with Western Province before making the move to the Hollywoodbets Sharks where he truly began to excel, gaining more than 50 first-team appearances.
Exeter saw the potential in his gritty style of player and made the move to bring Vermeulen to the Northern Hemisphere. The new signing didn’t need much time to adjust to the switch to the Gallagher Premiership and European rugby – in his first year on Devon shores, Vermeulen was a part of the historic double domestic and European victory.
Since that win in COVID times, Vermeulen has continued to be a regular feature on the Exeter teamsheet. With numerous Man of the Match medals to his name and more than 30 tries in all competitions for Chiefs, the back rower is still a force to be reckoned with.
Chiefs Director of Rugby Rob Baxter, who has already added to his squad’s back row depth with the signing of Tom Hooper for next season, thanked Vermeulen for his important contribution to the success of Chiefs.
“Jacques is one of the players who has been here in one of our most successful periods as a club,” Baxter said. “A part of the double winning team, he was also part of a group of players that won a lot of games in the Premiership, Investec Champions Cup and the domestic cup.
“He came into the club alongside the likes of Jannes Kirsten and the two of them really set a tone in terms of the level of our training and the physicality we were able to bring to games for extended periods.
“He leaves Exeter with our best wishes. He’s got important reasons to stay in the country, with his young family a big source of drive and ambition for him. We wish him all the best.”
Vermeulen, who recently made his 100th all-time appearances for Chiefs, will complete the current season as a Chief before moving to the Salford Community Stadium as a Shark.
