Duhan van der Merwe’s Lions Tour Hopes in Jeopardy – Nightmare for Andy Farrell

Monday, 31 March 2025 at 20:22

byRugby Rucker

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.

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)

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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)

Scrum-Halves: Gibson-Park to Lead the Pack

Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park looks set to retain his spot after an impressive World Cup. England’s Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet will compete for backup roles, while Scotland’s Ben White and Wales’ Tomos Williams round out the options.

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Alex Mitchell (England)
Jack van Poortvliet (England)
Ben White (Scotland)
Tomos Williams (Wales)

Fly-Halves: Farrell and Ford in the Mix, Russell a Wildcard

Owen Farrell’s leadership and experience keep him in contention, but England’s George Ford and Marcus Smith offer contrasting styles. Ireland’s Jack Crowley and rising star Sam Prendergast provide alternatives, while Scotland’s Finn Russell remains a game-changer.

Sam Prendergast (Ireland)
Jack Crowley (Ireland)
Owen Farrell (England)
Marcus Smith (England)
Fin Smith (England)
George Ford (England)
Finn Russell (Scotland)
Tom Jordan (Scotland)

Centres: Aki and Ringrose Set to Star

Ireland’s midfield pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose looks set to continue, with Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne adding depth. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones bring attacking flair to the mix.

Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
Jamie Osborne (Ireland)
Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)
Huw Jones (Scotland)

Back Three: Lowe and Keenan Lead the Line

Ireland’s back three trio of James Lowe, Hugo Keenan, and Mack Hansen remain front-runners. Scotland’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe provide proven finishing power. England’s Elliot Daly and youngsters Tommy Freeman, Ollie Sleightholme, and Tom Roebuck are pushing for spots.

James Lowe (Ireland)
Mack Hansen (Ireland)
Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Darcy Graham (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Blair Kinghorn (Scotland)
Tommy Freeman (England)
Ollie Sleightholme (England)
Tom Roebuck (England)
Elliot Daly (England)

Nation Breakdown: Ireland Leads the Way

With a total of 75 players predicted to make the longlist, here’s a breakdown by nation:

Ireland: 22 players
England: 28 players
Scotland: 14 players
Wales: 11 players

Andy Farrell and his coaching team will have difficult decisions to make as the tour approaches, with intense competition across every position. Expect plenty of surprises when the final squad is announced.

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