Burnt out.

Springboks star Duane Vermeulen has revealed he will be taking a break from the game and miss the upcoming Rugby Championship as he needs a rest after a long and gruelling season.

The number eight has been a key player under Rassie Erasmus since returning to the Springbok fold, starring in the 2-1 series win over England this month. But having come straight in off the back of full northern hemisphere season with Toulon – the 31-year-old it burnt out.

He looks set to potentially return for the November internationals, before rejoining the Stormers ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“It will be difficult not to be part of it (Rugby Championship), but we’ve got the plan and I’ve spoken to Rassie about it. I think there’s time in the coming weeks where we can work out the exact plan and what we want to do,” Vermeulen told IOL at Newlands on Saturday night.

“But it’s great being back and being part of a young squad – guys who are excited to play. They love to play, they love to get together.

“It’s just great to pull this green jumper over your head again. So, I’m really happy to be back, and I hope to be part of the coming Tests. I know it’s not going to be in the Championship, but we’ll see down the road.

“But it’s a great team and we’ve got a great captain, and the guys just need to stick together. There’s a nice phase for us, building towards the World Cup, and if I can be a part of that, then I will be happy to give my 110 percent.”