BRISBANE (Reuters) - South Africa stalwart Duane Vermeulen said it was tough sitting on the sidelines while the Springboks took on the British & Irish Lions but he is now ready to return for the Rugby Championship.

The 35-year-old is regarded as one of the world’s best loose forwards, playing a leading role in helping South Africa win the 2019 World Cup, but an ankle injury kept him from competing against the Lions in July and August.