Sought-after Springboks forward snubs South African return as Irish giants swoop for his signature
Springboks and Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe.
The speculation around Marnus van der Merwe’s future has come to an end with Munster securing the Springboks hooker’s services.
The 29-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the club and the IRFU and he will link up with the side ahead of the 2026/27 season, subject to being granted a valid work permit.
Van der Merwe’s contract with the Scarlets expires at the end of this season and he had been linked with moves to the Sharks and Lions.
Munster sign Van der Merwe
However, he has turned down a return to South Africa in favour of remaining in the north, signing with Munster.
The Irish province also beat the likes of Prem club Gloucester and French giants club Clermont to his signature too.
“I’m excited and honoured to be joining such a prestigious club, with such a proud rugby history. I want to finish the season strong with the Scarlets, before tackling this new challenge with Munster,” said the three-Test cap international who became the 14th Van der Merwe to represent the Springboks when he debuted against Georgia last July.
He added: “I have loved my time at the Scarlets, it is a special club with special people who have made myself and my wife feel welcome from the first day we came here. I’d like to thank my team-mates, coaches, staff and, of course, all the fans for that.
“Having the opportunity here has helped me realise my dream of pulling on the Springboks jersey and I am proud to have achieved that while representing the Scarlets.
“It will be sad saying farewell, but we have some big games remaining at Parc y Scarlets this season and my focus is firmly on playing my part in helping the side deliver the results we deserve.”
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Munster delighted
He earned his other two caps for South African in the Rugby Championship victories over New Zealand and Australia. The Nelspruit-born and raised forward represented the Pumas at youth level before making the move to the Cheetahs where he made his PRO14 debut in 2018.
A Currie Cup championship with the Free State-based outfit, Van der Merwe jointed the Scarlets in 2024 with a Test debut following 12 months later.
“We are delighted to have signed a player of Marnus’ calibre ahead of next season and he will add to the strength of our front row,” Munster Rugby General Manager Ian Costello said.
“He has been one of the best hookers in the URC over the past two years resulting in a call up to the Springboks squad.
“He is an physical, abrasive hooker, very strong in the set-piece, excellent over the ball, and now has demonstrated his ability to perform at international level.
“Marnus is passionate, and extremely ambitious and has the qualities that will make him a really good fit to our playing group. We look forward to welcoming him to Munster this summer.”
Van der Merwe is the first official signing ahead of next season, while Munster have confirmed that Springbok lock Jean Kleyn will be joining Gloucester next season.
Whilst the Sharks and Lions have missed out on the Bok hooker’s services, they have confirmed signings of their own with Edinburgh’s Boan Venter joining the latter while the former has swooped in for Nemo Roelofse, Thomas du Toit, Stephan Lewies and Gianni Lombard.
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