Springbok goes into 'Exile'
TRANSFER NEWS: London Irish continue to dip into the South African market to bolster their playing roster.
The Exiles confirmed that Springbok Marcel van der Merwe has signed on the dotted line.
It follows a rash of contract announcements in the past week – which include the signing of another seasoned South African – Bernhard Janse van Rensburg.
The experienced prop, Van der Merwe, put pen to paper on a deal with Declan Kidney’s side and will join up with his new teammates ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season.
The 30-year-old South African international – who has seven Springbok caps to his name – joins from La Rochelle, whom he joined on a short-term deal earlier this year.
Previously, Van der Merwe enjoyed successful stints back home in his homeland with the Cheetahs and the Bulls, before making just shy of 100 appearances at French Top 14 side Toulon.
Speaking about his arrival at the Exiles, Van der Merwe expressed his delight.
✍️ | Springbok international Marcel van der Merwe has signed on the dotted line with London Irish!
🗣 “London Irish are a Club that are moving in the right direction, so it’s an exciting opportunity for me”
ADVERTISEMENT📝 👉 https://t.co/ed26OIQ3AR
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12CLqd pic.twitter.com/ABPexpxQkj— London Irish (@londonirish) June 30, 2021
“I’m very excited – it’s a new chapter in my career,” the Bok prop said.
“London Irish are a Club that are moving in the right direction, so it’s an exciting opportunity for me. The timing feels right.
“I’ve played English teams quite a lot throughout my time in France, so I know what to expect of the league and everything it throws up. I can’t wait to get going with London Irish.”
Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, added: “Marcel is a key addition to the squad ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season.
“He will bring great experience and quality to our pack and will complement the existing players we’ve already got in the forwards.
“We’re really pleased that he has decided to join the Club and we’re looking forward to him joining up with us in August for his pre-season.”
✍️ | London Irish have completed the signing of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
🗣 “Moving to England and playing in London is something that really excites me – I can’t wait!”
📝 👉 https://t.co/zbhI9sWYxy
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12CLqd pic.twitter.com/5kEFqsmWSS— London Irish (@londonirish) June 28, 2021
🔒 Benhard is locked in for 2021/22.
☘️ Are you?
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12CLqd pic.twitter.com/oibJkEsqS9
— London Irish (@londonirish) June 28, 2021
✍ | London Irish Academy prospect @ChunyaMunga has put pen to paper on a new contract with the Club.
🗣 “I’ve really enjoyed my time here and can’t wait to kick on in the coming seasons.”
📝 👉 https://t.co/omvBZwEcjg
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12CLqd pic.twitter.com/Hl0h7xgj0w— London Irish (@londonirish) June 29, 2021
Ben’s on board 👏
✍️ @Atkins_Ben
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12la1D pic.twitter.com/4GTaGIBLeS
— London Irish (@londonirish) June 27, 2021
✍️ | @AtkinsJacob10 has signed a new deal with London Irish!
🗣 “I’m excited about next season and what lies in store for us all at London Irish as we continue to evolve.”
📝 👉 https://t.co/PTYPtOTd2n
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12la1D pic.twitter.com/KVlKhoEdTy— London Irish (@londonirish) June 26, 2021
✍️ | @JStokes_ has today put pen to paper on a contract extension with London Irish!
🗣 “I absolutely love the place. There is no other Club than London Irish in my eyes.”
📝 👉 https://t.co/OwcnbHJyJp
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12la1D pic.twitter.com/F3P3UE37R5— London Irish (@londonirish) June 25, 2021
Make sure you’re following our new signing on twitter, #ExileNation! ☘️
🖱 👉 @BenWhite_98 👈 🖱 pic.twitter.com/Uysi9H0UR3
— London Irish (@londonirish) June 24, 2021
✍️ | London Irish have completed the signing of scrum-half @BenWhite_98!
🗣 “I’m really excited to be here. I feel this is just the kind of fresh challenge I need at this stage of my career.”
📝 👉 https://t.co/tErNKMZpNW
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12la1D pic.twitter.com/VHHmUC4yCn— London Irish (@londonirish) June 24, 2021
✍️ | @IsaacCurtis7 has extended his contract with London Irish.
🗣 “There’s huge competition for places in my position, but I’m excited about continuing to learn from the experienced guys we have in the pack.”
📝 👉 https://t.co/n4RWs1Kmms
🎟 👉 https://t.co/8tub12CLqd pic.twitter.com/MEdjZJt1Nx— London Irish (@londonirish) June 23, 2021
