The Scarlets have reportedly secured the services of Springbok alignment camp invitee Marnus van der Merwe from the Cheetahs.
The lone member of the Cheetahs, who is 27 years old, who received an invitation to the first Springbok alignment camp of 2024 was the hooker. Rassie Erasmus is getting ready for the 2024 international season.
Along with Johan Grobbelaar, Andre-Hugo Venter, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Van der Merwe is one of four uncapped hookers called to the camp as the Boks consider the jumper’s future beyond Bongi Mbonambi (33) and a possible backup to him and Malcolm Marx (29).
Scarlets sign Cheetahs star
The Cheetahs hooker had a spell on loan at Ospreys earlier this season under the player-share agreement that the two clubs share but according to OFM Sport, van der Merwe will return to Wales on a full-time contract.
The report states that he has “signed a contract to head back to Wales where he will play for the Llanelli-based Scarlets“, having enjoyed his first stint in Wales with the Ospreys.
“Being a member of the alignment camp and being able to play for the Cheetahs is a great privilege,” van der Merwe said to FM Sport. “But it is very tough for a player if you are not playing in one of the bigger competitions like the United Rugby Championship.”
However, you may go a long way if you put in a lot of effort and battle on your knees. I give thanks to both God and the cheetahs. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.
“I’ll do everything in my power, and hopefully that’s what they’re seeking.”
Van der Merwe is the sole player from the Cheetahs invited to the camp, as previously indicated, and the first since Frans Steyn retired last
Marnus van der Merwe’s stats
The Cheetahs hooker, who isn’t exactly a household name in SA rugby circles, has been playing exceptionally well for the Bloemfontein team, scoring five tries and dishing out two assists as they won the Currie Cup last year.
All the while, he continued to make 93% of his lineout throws, which was only surpassed in the competition by Johan Grobbelaar.
In his three Challenge Cup appearances for the Cheetahs, he has also scored three tries.
Although the alignment camp for the Springboks is not a training squad, it does suggest that van der Merwe is a possibility. for potential selection later in the year and could potentially make his Test debut for the Springboks in the recently announced clash against Wales at Twickenham.
