Bok camp bruiser signs with Welsh club
02/29/2024 12:10 PM
Vodacom URC outfit Scarlets have secured the services from next season of one of South African rugby's promising young forwards earmarked by Rassie Erasmus.
The Welsh club on Thursday confirmed the signing of Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe, who was recently included in Erasmus' 43-man Springbok alignment camp kicking off next week, for the 2024-25 campaign.
An abrasive ball carrier, 2023 Currie Cup champion Van der Merwe has been in impressive form in the Challenge Cup this season, and was briefly loaned to Ospreys last year under a player development partnership with the Cheetahs.
The 27-year-old’s arrival in Llanelli will be strong addition as Scarlets continue to rebuild for future, and head coach Dwayne Peel told the club’s website: "We have made no secret that we are looking to strengthen our forward resources and Marnus is a player who has impressed us with his performances for the Cheetahs.
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"The fact he is in the thoughts of the Springbok management shows how highly he is regarded in South Africa and he will add more quality to the pool of front-row forwards we already have at the club. We are excited to see him link up with the squad ahead of next season."
Van der Merwe added: "Scarlets are a club with a proud history and tradition and a passionate fan base and following my conversations with Dwayne it is clear there is a determination and ambition to bring success with some exciting new signings coming into the squad.
"I have had a taste of playing in the northern hemisphere with the Cheetahs and I'm looking forward to this fresh challenge and meeting up with my new teammates at Parc y Scarlets in the summer."
Croeso Marnus
Scarlets are delighted to confirm the signing of hooker Marnus van der Merwe ahead of the 2024-25 season
Scarlets yn cadarnhau bydd Marnus van der Merwe yn ymuno â’r garfan yn Llanelli o flaen tymor 2024-25!#CroesoMarnuspic.twitter.com/qvM3wHSmyd
— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) February 29, 2024
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images
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