Duane Vermeulen can be gamechanger for Ulster, says Stephen Ferris

Duane Vermeulen, 35, still packs a punch and is currently throwing his 6ft 4ins, 18st frame around at the highest level for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship

BELFAST BOUND: South African powerhouse back-rower Duane Vermeulen, according to Stephen Ferris, is a brilliant signing, a World Cup winner with vast experience, just what Ulster need. Picture: Dan Mullan

As statements of intent go, Ulster’s signing of World Cup-winning No.8 Duane Vermeulen a week out from the inaugural United Rugby Championship was pretty impressive.

One of the world’s best will be arriving at Kingspan Stadium this autumn following his commitments with South Africa and with him will be the promise of some serious fireworks for the northern province in their bid for a first trophy since their Celtic League success of 2006.