Duhan van der Merwe appears increasingly unlikely to return to South Africa as the Scotland superstar prepares for a major new chapter in his life.
The Edinburgh winger was born in George and came through the South African rugby system before moving to Europe.
However, after almost a decade away from his country of birth, Van der Merwe has made it clear that Scotland is now home.
The 31-year-old and his wife Nika became British citizens earlier this year after nine years building their life in Scotland, while the couple are now preparing to welcome their first child.
Their baby is due in early January, further strengthening the family's roots in Scotland as Van der Merwe approaches the latter stages of his career.
Van der Merwe has also previously shut down the prospect of switching international allegiance to the Springboks, speaking emotionally about everything Scotland has given him during his career.
“When I speak about it, I get really emotional because it’s a country that has given me so much when I had nothing,” he said.
EDINBURGH FUTURE
Van der Merwe remains under contract with Edinburgh until at least the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
There was significant interest in his signature before he agreed his latest deal in December 2024.
However, the powerful winger ultimately decided to stay in the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh confirmed at the time that the new multi-year contract had fended off interest from clubs around the world.
“This club and city are my home,” said Van der Merwe.
“My wife and I love it here and I’m incredibly proud to represent the city and our supporters.
“I’d be lying if I said other clubs didn’t express interest, but Edinburgh is home for me, and my connection to the club and our supporters were a massive driver in my decision to re-sign.”
His family situation was also central to the decision.
Speaking after agreeing the extension, Van der Merwe revealed that he and his wife had discussed his options before deciding Edinburgh remained the right place for them.
“The main thing is as long as I’m happy and my wife is happy then I believe I’ll be at my best.”
LIFE AFTER 2027
Van der Merwe's ties to Scotland now extend well beyond rugby.
He has launched whisky brand Hirundine alongside Scotland and Edinburgh teammate Pierre Schoeman, while he and Nika have established their lives in the country.
That makes another Edinburgh contract an obvious possibility when his current deal expires, although no decision over his post-2027 club future has yet been announced.
A move elsewhere in Britain could also provide a fresh challenge without requiring Van der Merwe and his young family to completely uproot their lives.
The winger already has experience of English rugby after spending time with Worcester Warriors before returning to Edinburgh following the club's collapse in 2022.
At the time, Van der Merwe described his Edinburgh return as a “no-brainer”, revealing he had instructed his agent that the Scottish capital was where he wanted to go.
For now, Van der Merwe's focus remains firmly on Edinburgh and Scotland.
But with British citizenship, a young family, business interests and almost a decade of roots established north of the border, the prospect of a permanent return to South Africa appears increasingly remote.
