Michael van Vuuren is a South African rugby player who has played for various teams throughout his career. He attended Grey High School in Port Elizabeth and represented the school's first team in 2008 and 2009. He also played alongside Siya Kolisi, who is another notable Old Grey player. Van Vuuren later played Varsity Cup rugby for UFS Shimlas in the 2012 Varsity Cup.
He represented the Free State Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup in 2011 and 2012 before making a move to French Top 14 side Stade Français. Van Vuuren joined Stade Français for the 2012-2013 season, signing a two-year deal. He made his debut for the club in the Top 14 as a replacement against Biarritz in May 2013.
After his stint in France, Van Vuuren returned to South Africa and joined the Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth ahead of the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division. However, financial difficulties at the Eastern Province Rugby Union led to Van Vuuren and other players being given the option to terminate their contracts due to unpaid salaries.
He then had a trial period with Leicester Tigers in England and represented their A team in the Aviva A League. He extended his stay at Leicester Tigers until mid-March 2016 and made his debut in the English Premiership in February 2016.
Van Vuuren joined Bath Rugby before the 2016-17 English Premiership season and made his debut for the club in a match against Section Paloise. He also had loan spells with London Scottish in the RFU Championship.
In 2019, Van Vuuren joined Northampton Saints for the 2019/20 season before moving to Ealing Trailfinders for the 2020-21 season, playing in the RFU Championship.
At the representative level, Van Vuuren was a member of the South Africa Under-20 team that participated in the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship.
KG (12/05/2023)
Career
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Golden Lions Hooker |
2023 - present |
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Cheetahs Hooker |
2011 - 2012 |
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Stade Francais Hooker |
2012 - 2014 |
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Eastern Province Kings Hooker |
2014 - 2016 |
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Leicester Tigers Hooker |
2016 - 2016 |
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Southern Kings Hooker |
2016 - 2016 |
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Bath Rugby Hooker |
2016 - 2019 |
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London Irish Hooker |
2019 - 2019 |
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Bedford Blues Number 16 |
2019 - 2019 |
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Northampton Saints Hooker |
2019 - 2020 |
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Ampthill Rugby Outside Centre |
2020 - 2020 |
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Wasps Hooker |
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Ealing Trailfinders Hooker |
2021 - 2023 |
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Lions Hooker |
2022 - 2023 |
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Newcastle Falcons Hooker |
2023 - 2024 |
