Scarlets have confirmed the signing of Toyota Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe ahead of the 2024/25 season. The 27-year-old has been earning rave reviews in South Africa and was recently included in Rassie Erasmus’s 43-man Springbok ‘alignment camp’.
An abrasive carrier, van der Merwe has been in impressive form for the Cheetahs in the European Challenge Cup and Currie Cup. His arrival in the summer will be another strong addition to the Scarlets, who continue to build for the coming seasons.
Head coach Dwayne Peel said: “We have made no secret that we are looking to strengthen our forward resources and Marnus is a player who has impressed us with his performances for the Cheetahs.
“He is a strong ball-carrier, his set-piece work is excellent and he is a physical presence around the field.
“The fact he is in the thoughts of the Springbok management shows how highly he is regarded in South Africa and he will add more quality to the pool of front-row forwards we already have at the club. We are excited to see him link up with the squad ahead of next season.”
Having come through the Cheetahs Academy, van der Merwe made his PRO14 debut in 2018 and was a member of the Currie Cup winning side of 2023.
Van der Merwe said: “Scarlets are a club with a proud history and tradition and a passionate fan base and following my conversations with Dwayne it is clear there is a determination and ambition to bring success with some exciting new signings coming into the squad.
“I have had a taste of playing in the northern hemisphere with the Cheetahs and I’m looking forward to this fresh challenge and meeting up with my new team-mates at Parc y Scarlets in the summer.”
The Scarlets have already announced that Wales international Tom Rogers has signed a fresh contract, with more signing and re-signing news set to be revealed over the coming weeks.