Clermont retain their Bok

Van der Merwe joined the club in 2015 and the 31-year-old's new deal will see him remain in France until 2019.

The 37-caps Springbok has become a mainstay in the Clermont pack, having started 23 of the 30 games he has been involved in since joining, which includes 10 this season.

He previously played with the Cheetahs (2006-2009) and Bulls (2009-2015), winning the Super Rugby title with the latter in 2010.

Agence France-Presse