Springbok star responds to Saracens transfer rumours as second-row tipped to sign - Ruck

Springbok star responds to Saracens transfer rumours as second-row tipped to sign

Saracens are reportedly attempting to lure former Springbok second row Flip van der Merwe out of retirement to play for them next season.

The Rugby Paper reported over the weekend that the reigning England and European champions, who will be playing in the Championship following their salary cap breaches, have approached the soon to be 35-year-old.

Van der Merwe, who won 36 caps for the Springboks since making his debut in 2010, played in France at Clermont Auvergne until last summer when he hung up his boots to study at Cambridge University.

Sarries have reportedly approached him with an offer, but his tweet through doubt upon those reports, tweeting: “What you reckon? We shouldn’t disappoint a journalist during these trying times.”

His father Flippie was also a rugby player, making six appearances for South Africa between 1981 and 1989.


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LIST | 5 players from abroad who could be capped by England in the future

These five have shown enough ability or promise to suggest they may be future England stars in waiting.

Foreign-born stars, such as Nathan Hughes and the Vunipola brothers, have already shown how integral they can be for the Red Rose after making the step up to International rugby.

Here are five players who could pull on the white jersey in the future:

1. Ruan Ackermann – Gloucester (South Africa)

His Dad Johan Ackermann, who departed as Gloucester boss for Japan earlier this month, confirmed that his son will be staying with the Cherry & Whites to persue international honours, and has already been in contact with Eddie Jones. The imposing number eight qualify for England on residency grounds in August 2020 — just four months before World Rugby’s new eligibility laws kick in.

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