Duhan van der Merwe's Lions Tour Hopes in Jeopardy – Nightmare for Andy Farrell
03/31/2025 03:22 PM
Edinburgh are sweating over Duhan van der Merwe's fitness after the powerhouse winger picked up an ankle injury that could threaten his British and Irish Lions chances this summer.
The 29-year-old, who has been Scotland's go-to try machine, limped off early during Friday's URC win over Dragons and has been in a moon boot ever since.
Scan results pending
Van der Merwe had a scan on Monday, but Edinburgh boss Sean Everitt wasn't giving much away. "Duhan went for an MRI today. We haven't had the results back. We should know that early this evening," Everitt revealed. "He's in a boot. But we can't see the damages. A little bit of soreness and swelling this morning and that's all I can report on."
No link to previous ankle issue
Everitt was quick to dismiss any link between this injury and the ankle issue that Van der Merwe played through during the Six Nations. However, with the Lions squad announcement looming on May 8, the timing couldn't be worse for the South Africa-born wing.
Lions selection at stake
Van der Merwe toured with the Lions in 2021 and is widely expected to be part of Andy Farrell's squad for the 2025 series in Australia. But with his fitness now in question, the clock is ticking on his chances of making a second Lions tour.
Who is Duhan van der Merwe?
Born in George, South Africa, Duhan van der Merwe moved to Scotland in 2017 after joining Edinburgh. The 6ft 4in, 106kg winger made his Scotland debut in 2020 and has since become the nation's all-time leading try-scorer, known for his explosive pace and power.
He previously represented South Africa at youth level before switching allegiance to Scotland through residency. Van der Merwe was a standout performer during the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, scoring a try against the Stormers and featuring in all three Tests.
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28 England players on Andy Farrell’s 75-man Lions watchlist
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed that a 75-player longlist has been assembled ahead of the 2025 tour to Australia. The competition is fierce, with Farrell admitting there's no shortage of talent vying for a spot.
Looseheads: Genge and Porter Set to Lead the Charge
Ireland's Andrew Porter remains the front-runner to start in the No. 1 jersey after his impressive performances in recent seasons. Scotland's Pierre Schoeman offers a powerful scrummaging option, while Wales' Nicky Smith is a consistent performer. England is well-represented with Ellis Genge, Bevan Rodd, and rising star Fin Baxter pushing for inclusion.
- Andrew Porter (Ireland)
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland)
- Nicky Smith (Wales)
- Ellis Genge (England)
- Bevan Rodd (England)
- Fin Baxter (England)
WIN A TRIP TO THE 2025 LIONS:
HE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 2 x Return flight tickets from the UK to Australia
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 2nd Test in Melbourne
- 2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
- 4 x Night's accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
- 7 x Night's accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
- 2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
- 2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
- Additional events to be announced
The winner will be part of the Lions supporters group with tour representatives on hand to oversee everything.
Hookers: Sheehan and George in Pole Position
Ireland's Dan Sheehan has been a standout performer and looks a strong contender to start. His Leinster teammate Ronan Kelleher provides excellent cover, while England's Jamie George and a returning Luke Cowan-Dickie bring plenty of Lions experience. Dewi Lake is Wales' leading option.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
- Ronan Kelleher (Ireland)
- Jamie George (England)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)
- Dewi Lake (Wales)
Tightheads: Furlong Leads Strong Contingent
Ireland's Tadhg Furlong is a near-certainty for the squad, while Finlay Bealham adds versatility. England's trio of Will Stuart, Joe Heyes, and Kyle Sinckler offer plenty of competition. Scotland's Zander Fagerson remains a reliable option.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
- Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
- Will Stuart (England)
- Joe Heyes (England)
- Kyle Sinckler (England)
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
Locks/Blindsides: Itoje and Beirne Among Favourites
Maro Itoje remains a key figure, with England also supplying George Martin, Ollie Chessum, and veteran Courtney Lawes. Ireland's Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan provide leadership, while Joe McCarthy and Iain Henderson add depth. Scotland's Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist will compete for spots, while Dafydd Jenkins looks to be Wales' strongest option.
- Maro Itoje (England)
- George Martin (England)
- Ollie Chessum (England)
- Courtney Lawes (England)
- David Ribbans (England)
- James Ryan (Ireland)
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland)
- Iain Henderson (Ireland)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)
- Scott Cummings (Scotland)
- Grant Gilchrist (Scotland)
Flankers/No. 8s: Doris and Earl Set to Shine
Ireland's Caelan Doris is a top contender for the No. 8 jersey, while Josh van der Flier and Peter O'Mahony add experience and breakdown prowess. England's back-row options are loaded, with Tom Curry, Ben Earl, and Jack Willisoffering variety. Scotland's Rory Darge and Jamie Ritchie are strong candidates, while Wales' Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright bring dynamism.
- Tom Curry (England)
- Ben Curry (England)
- Ben Earl (England)
- Sam Underhill (England)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Jack Willis (England)
- Tom Willis (England)
- Caelan Doris (Ireland)
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- Peter O'Mahony (Ireland)
- Jack Conan (Ireland)
- Rory Darge (Scotland)
- Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)
- Matt Fagerson (Scotland)
- Jack Dempsey (Scotland)
- Jac Morgan (Wales)
- Aaron Wainwright (Wales)
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
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