Vermaas bolsters Leinster front row

Leinster have added versatile Blue Bulls front row Harry Vermaas to their squad for the coming season.

The 22-year-old can play in all three positions and represented South Africa when they won the under-21 World Cup in Argentina last year.

"I'm both proud and honoured to join a club of Leinster's stature," he said.  "I've really enjoyed pre-season training so far and all the squad have been great and have made me feel welcome.

"I'm looking forward to making a big contribution to what will hopefully be a successful season for the club."
 
Leinster coach Michael Cheika said his new signing was a promising talent who is technically strong in an area he was keen to strengthen.

"He will add greater strength in depth in the front row," Cheika said. "I look forward to working with him this season and wish him every success with Leinster."

Vermaas becomes the fifth new addition to the Leinster panel after the recent signings of Trevor Hogan, Stephen Keogh, Chris Whitaker and Owen Finegan.

Ulster's Mike Maguire today announced his enforced retirement from the game due to a degenerative hip disorder.

Maguire, who joined the club at the beginning of July on a two-year deal, was unaware of the condition and has never experienced anything more than stiffness in the joint post-match or during training.

Subsequent scans revealed a condition which, unbeknown to either the player or any of his previous clubs, he has had since birth.

While the problem could be managed, Maguire would run the risk of serious arthritis problems in later life.

"We're obviously very disappointed to lose Mike from the squad, he's settled in and trained very well since the start of pre-season," Ulster coach Mark McCall said.

"However, he must look to his long-term future and we fully support his decision to retire from rugby."