Scarlets boss opens up on ‘abrasive’ Springboks rookie’s future at Welsh region
Springboks and Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe and the Welsh region's head coach Dwayne Peel (inset).
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has revealed that the Welsh region are doing their utmost to retain the services of their Springboks hooker Marnus van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was one of Scarlets’ stars during the 2024/25 United Rugby Championship (URC) season and his excellent performances resulted in him being called up for international duty with South Africa.
The 28-year-old, who joined the URC outfit from the Cheetahs, scored a brace of tries on his Test debut for the Springboks against Georgia in Nelspruit in July before winning two further caps against the Wallabies and All Blacks during his country’s victorious Rugby Championship campaign recently.
Current contract set to expire
His contract expires at the end of the current URC campaign and the Sharks, Munster and Clermont are reportedly all interested in acquiring is services next summer.
However, Scarlets are keen for Van der Merwe to sign a contract extension after he helped them finish amongst the top eight sides in last season’s URC.
“You talk about overseas talent and he is definitely one who has helped our squad,” Peel told the BBC. “He’s abrasive, he’s a ball carrier for us and his performances have shown that in what he’s given us on the field.
“There will probably be interest in Marnus, there’s no doubt about that. Hopefully things will work out and he will be able to stay longer, but who knows at this present stage.”
Rugby in Wales looks set to experience a major overhaul after the Welsh Rugby union proposed changes which could see their four professional clubs reduced to three or two.
That has had a big impact on recruitment and plans for Scarlets, Cardiff, Dragons and Ospreys.
“At present it’s very difficult for anyone to make any commitments, that’s the truth of it,” said Peel.
Scarlets are negotiating with several of their players
“It’s not just Marnus, there are a lot of players we are speaking to at the minute. I am sure if the opportunity arises, hopefully we will be able to move on something.”
Van der Merwe caught the eye with several outstanding displays which resulted in him being rewarded with Scarlets’ player of the season award at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
His outstanding performances were also recognised by Boks head Rassie Erasmus, who called him up to the current world champions’ squad after 23 appearances for Scarlets.
“It’s fantastic when one of your players represents his country,” said Peel.
“As a club, him coming over from the Cheetahs last year, playing URC and getting the chance to represent the Springboks is a good story for us as well.
“We are proud of the effort that has gone into getting him there, and the effort he has put in. I am delighted for him, he’s a good man and has worked hard and contributed massively on the field.”
Peel said Van der Merwe’s qualities were just what Scarlets needed.
“We knew we wanted someone abrasive and full of intent and he was one that stood out,” he added.
“He is exactly what we thought he was going to be, that is the honest truth of it.”
READ MORE: WRU defends plan to axe two teams, claiming ‘once in a generation opportunity to get this right’
