Veteran All Black to replace Vermeulen at Toulon
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According to reports in France, RC Toulon have identified 81 Test cap All Black Jerome Kaino as their front-runner to replace no.8 Duane Vermeulen.
The new salary cap in the Top 14 could see Toulon lose the services of Duane Vermeulen, Ma'a Nonu & Marcel Van der Merwe at the end of the season.
But #Midol says @RCTofficiel have a replacement for DV lined up. They've had a deal with @allblacks Jerome Kaino for a month, apparently
— James Harrington (@Jamesonrugby) December 4, 2017
With Vermeulen's Springboks ambitions also playing a part in his expected departure. If Vermeulen leaves the French side he is likely to rejoin the Stormers on a dual contract with SA Rugby and has already been tipped to lead the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus.
Vermeulen has also been linked with Toulouse and Racing 92.
According to the Midi Olympique Toulon are close to finalising a deal for Jerome Kaino with parties having reportedly having agreed on general terms and could complete the transfer in the coming weeks.
Kaino's starting position has been under pressure in the All Blacks squad with Liam Squire and Vaea Fifita putting in some outstanding performances while the 81 Test cap All Black was absent.
