ALERT: Veteran prop in market for a gig
TRANSFER NEWS: Any teams in the market for a seasoned prop? There is a 28-year-old front row forward, with 80-odd first-class games to his credit, looking for a job.
Schalk van der Merwe is currently in Bloemfontein, hoping to secure a contract with the Cheetahs.
However, he is open to other offers.
The Bloemfontein-based radio station OFM Sport reports that Van der Merwe has joined the Cheetahs at training, but he does not yet have a contract.
At least two other teams could be in the market for a seasoned prop – the Lions and Bulls.
The Lions have lost Springbok Ruan Dreyer (to Gloucester) and fellow veteran Jacques van Rooyen (Bath). They have recruited Danie Mienie (from Toulouse) and Carlu Sadie (on loan from the Stormers).
However, Van der Merwe could provide the depth and experience they lack in the front row.
The Bulls, who lost Pierre Schoeman to Edinburgh, are also short of depth and experience in the front row.
Van der Merwe previously played for the Lions, Cheetahs and Griffons – before he headed to Europe in 2015, where he played for Montpellier, making six appearances.
He returned to South Africa in 2017 to play for the Southern Kings (12 appearances), before he joined Irish Pro14 side Ulster prior to the 2017–18 season. He was released in December last year, after making just three appearances.
Source: OFM Sport
