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Bok back in the Bulls' kraal

NEWS: The Bulls’ new Director of Rugby Jake White has lured his first big name back to Loftus Versfeld.

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The Blue Bulls Company announced on Saturday that Springbok prop Marcel van der Merwe, after a stint with French Top 14 club Toulon, will return to Pretoria.

The powerful, yet mobile, front row forward will join the Bulls from July.

Van der Merwe established himself at the Bulls when he made the move from Bloemfontein in 2014 – after making his Super Rugby debut for the Cheetahs.

His performances in Super Rugby in 2014 earned him a Springbok call up and he won seven Test caps.

He also represented the Junior Springboks in 2010 and earned a South African A cap against the French Barbarians in 2016.

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The former Grey College scholar wore the Bulls jersey on 45 occasions, scoring six tries while he also ran out in the colours of the Blue Bulls.

Van der Merwe returns to South African shores after impressive performances with Toulon and his experience in France and its forward dominated approach to rugby will have only sharpened his abilities.

“I’m excited to confirm that I’ve signed with the Bulls,” Van der Merwe said.

“Loftus and the Bulls have always had a special place in my heart and I look forward to coming back home.”

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