Duhan van der Merwe clarifies position on possible Springbok switch
Rugby NewsFriday, 23 January 2026 at 21:24
Duhan van der Merwe has left absolutely no room for doubt — he’s Scotland’s man, now and forever.
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Despite battling a dip in form, the destructive winger has firmly shut the door on any future in the green and gold of South Africa. Instead, he’s thrown his full weight behind the nation that gave him a second chance — and a rugby home.
Built Like a Wrecking Ball
At 6ft 4in and sculpted like solid granite, van der Merwe looks engineered to ruin defensive game plans.
With flowing blond locks and bone-crunching carries, he’s the kind of winger who blends comic-book hero aesthetics with real-world destruction — think Johnny Bravo meets Action Man, but with fend-offs that hurt.
Emotion Behind the Power
For all the brute force he brings on the field, there’s a deeply personal story underneath the muscle.
“When I speak about it, I get really emotional because it’s a country that has given me so much when I had nothing,” van der Merwe admitted.
It’s clear Scotland isn’t just a jersey — it’s a lifeline, a home, and a source of pride.
Townsend Backs His Star
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend isn’t panicking about the winger’s recent struggles, pointing instead to injury disruption.
“Probably more concerning that he’s had a few injuries,” Townsend explained.
“He’s not really had a run of games.”
Townsend highlighted positive signs from recent performances, including flashes of quality against Gloucester and moments of promise in the Hampden derby.
“He’s finding his form… he just needs more games. I believe he’ll be fit this week, which is a boost.”
With the Six Nations looming, Townsend remains confident van der Merwe can fire back into top gear — and remind everyone why he’s one of Scotland’s most feared weapons.
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Only one rugby player in history has a bigger net worth than Dan Carter
6️⃣ Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £12–14 million
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.
Key Points:
- Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)
- Long All Blacks career with record appearances
- Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)
- Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures
5️⃣ Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Estimated Net Worth: £13–15 million
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.
Key Points:
- Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain
- Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)
- Brand ambassador for multiple companies
- Post-retirement business roles
4️⃣ Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £15–17 million
Bio: A dual-code rugby superstar, Williams excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. He also pursued professional boxing, leveraging his sporting success into global endorsements.
Bio: A dual-code rugby superstar, Williams excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. He also pursued professional boxing, leveraging his sporting success into global endorsements.
Key Points:
- Dual-code rugby international
- Professional boxing career
- Multiple domestic and international rugby titles
- Endorsements with global brands
3️⃣ Mike Tindall (England)
Estimated Net Worth: £16–18 million
Bio: Former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. Tindall has become a media personality and entrepreneur after retirement.
Bio: Former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. Tindall has become a media personality and entrepreneur after retirement.
Key Points:
- 2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England
- Television appearances and reality TV
- Brand endorsements and ambassador roles
- Family business ventures with Zara Phillips
2️⃣ Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Estimated Net Worth: £17–19 million
Bio: One of the greatest fly-halves ever, Carter starred for the All Blacks and in club rugby in France and Japan. Known for his precision kicking and playmaking.
Bio: One of the greatest fly-halves ever, Carter starred for the All Blacks and in club rugby in France and Japan. Known for his precision kicking and playmaking.
Key Points:
- All Blacks legend and World Cup winner
- Record-breaking club contracts in France and Japan
- Endorsements and ambassadorial roles
- Post-retirement rugby-related ventures
1️⃣ Jonny Wilkinson (England) ?
Estimated Net Worth: £18–22 million
Bio: Legendary England fly-half, famous for the drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson has leveraged his fame for lucrative contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities.
Bio: Legendary England fly-half, famous for the drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson has leveraged his fame for lucrative contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities.
Key Points:
- 2003 Rugby World Cup hero
- Long-term commercial partnerships and endorsements
- Media, wellness, and business ventures
- Global recognition as one of rugby’s greatest
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