Duhan van der Merwe's Scotland call-up has just become one step closer
Duhan van der Merwe has taken a step closer to being capped by Scotland after deciding his club career is best served by signing an extension at Edinburgh.
The 24-year-old South African age-grade international made his debut against Cheetahs in November 2017 and will qualify under residency for his adopted country next summer ahead of Scotland’s tour to his homeland.
After scoring 28 tries in 53 appearances so far, the winger is Edinburgh’s current top-try scorer and just four players – Tim Visser (69), Chris Paterson (57), Simon Webster (36) and Derrick Lee (32) – are ahead of him on the club’s all-time scoring list.
Van der Merwe, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to re-sign with the club. It’s clear that big things are happening at Edinburgh. It’s an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club’s journey.”
Coach Richard Cockerill added: “On current form, Duhan is one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe, so we’re obviously delighted to see him re-sign with the club.
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“At 24, he’s still a young man, and his game is improving all the time. We’re excited to see him continue to score tries for Edinburgh in the seasons to come.”
The winger currently tops both the Guinness PRO14 and European Challenge Cup stats for metres gained (599 and 387), while he has beaten the most defenders (45) and made the most clean breaks (18) after ten rounds of league action.
He scored his 28th try for the club in last Saturday’s Challenge Cup defeat at Bordeaux-Bègles, elevating him to fifth place on the club’s all-time scoring list.
"Getting both knees done at 18… I’m a winger; I’m thinking, where’s my speed going to go?"
In South Africa, Duhan van der Merwe had lost his way. Edinburgh helped him find it again.
His first Scotland caps could come against the Springboks. Interview?https://t.co/9bzwbvetNG
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) December 6, 2019
Speaking about his potential to qualify for Scotland and face the Springboks later this year, van der Merwe told RugbyPass last month: “If that was to happen, that would be strange, but it would be an awesome opportunity to show as a player what you’re about after leaving the country.
“I’m looking to play at the highest level possible, otherwise what am I playing for? When that opportunity comes, I’ll grab it with both hands.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Completely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
3 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
54 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
3 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
10 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
54 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to commentsDon’t disagree with much of this but it appears you forgot Rodda and Beale, who started at the Force on the weekend.
10 Go to commentsExcept for the injured Zach Gallagher this would be Saders best forward pack for the season. Blackadder needs to stay at 7, for all of Christies tackling he is not dominant and offers very little else. McNicholfullback is maybe a good option, Fihaki not really upto it, there was a reason Burke played there last year. Maybe Havilli to 2nd five McLeod to wing. Need a strong winger on 1 side to compliment Reece
1 Go to commentsTo me TJ is clearly the best 9 in the competition right now but he's also a proven player off the bench, there's few playmaking players who can come off the bench as calm and settled as he is, Beauden can, TJ can and I doubt any of the scrumhalves in contention can, if they want to experiment with new 9s I want him on the bench ready to step in if they crumble under the pressure. The Boks put their best front row on the bench, I'd like to see us take a similar approach, the Hurricanes have been doing similar things with players like Kirifi.
54 Go to commentsROG has better chance to win a WC if he starts training and make himself eligible as a player. He won’t make the Ireland squad but I reckon he may get close with Namibia (needs to improve his Afrikaans) or Portugal. Both sides had 1000:1 odds to win the RWC in 2023 which is an improvement on ROG’s odds of winning a RWC as a coach. Unlike Top 14 teams, national teams can’t go shopping and buy the best players - you work with the available talent pool and turn them into world beaters.
3 Go to commentsthat backline nope that backline is terrible why would you have sevu Reece when he’s not even top 5 wingers in the comp why have Blackadder when there’s better players no Scott barret isn’t an automatic the guy is more of a liability than anything why have him there when you have samipeni who’s far far better
54 Go to commentsAh, good to find you Nick. Agree with everything about Cale. So much to like about his game
54 Go to commentsNot too bad. Questions at 6, lock and HB for me. The ABs will be a lot stronger once Jordan and Roigard return. Also, work needs to be made to secure Frizzell back for next season and maybe also Mo’unga; they’re just wasting time playing in japan
54 Go to commentsOn the title, i wonder for many of those people it is a case something like a belief in working smarter, not harder?
1 Go to commentsForget Sotutu. One of those whose top level is Super Rugby. Id take a punt on Wallace Sititi Finau ahead of Glass body Blackadder.
54 Go to commentsI’m a pensioner so I've been around a bit. My opinion of SBW is he is an elite athlete and a great New Zealander and roll model. He has been to the top and knows what he's talking about. To all the negative comments regarding SBW the typical New Zealand way, cut that tall poppy down.
17 Go to commentsI'm not listening to a guy moralise over others when this is the guy who walked out mid season on Canterbury RLFC when he had a contract with them, what a hypocrite. All the Kiwis sticking up for this unprincipled individual because they can't accept justified criticism, he has zero credibility or integrity. Those praising him are a joke.
17 Go to commentsI’d put Finau at 6 instead of Blackadder but that’s the only change I’d make. Can’t wait to see who Razor picks.
54 Go to commentsTamati Williams, Codie Taylor, and Same Cane? Not sure about Hoskins Sotutu at test level. Wasn’t that impressive last season. Need a balance between experience and talent/youth.
54 Go to commentsInteresting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
17 Go to comments