The Emirates Lions could well have lost 1 of their brightest stars as former Springbok coach Jake White snapped up prop Schalk van der Merwe to join him at Montpellier.
Van der Merwe – who is affectionately known as “hond” to his peers and is known for his strong scrumming abilities, has according to French sources signed a 2 year deal with the club and will join them after the end of the season.
It has emerged that Montpellier actually announced the deal 2 months ago, but ironically named Marcel van der Merwe as the player they signed, something the Springbok namesake vehemently denied at the time.
It seemed that somehow the French club announced the wrong prop, but considering both played for the Toyota Cheetahs, it is understandable.
Van der Merwe hasn’t been selected for the Lions since they returned from their overseas tour, and has been playing Vodacom Cup, having fallen out of favour with the team management.
Those close to the side have alleged he has been dropped because he signed overseas, but attempts to get answers from the Lions have come to naught.
Both CEO Rudolf Straeuli and coach Johan Ackermann failed to respond to requests for comment, while Lions spokesperson Tarryn Steenekamp said Van der Merwe was unavailable for an interview.
White has targeted a series of South African players including Vodacom Bulls flanker Jacques du Plessis, DHL Stormers flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis and former SA Under 20 captain Wian Liebenberg.
South Africans Wynand Olivier, Robert Ebersohn and Pat Cilliers are all already on the club’s books.
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