Premiership club has entered the race to sign Scottish powerhouse Duhan Van der Merwe
Rugby NewsSunday, 03 November 2024 at 20:16
RUCK sources believe that Bath has set its sights on Duhan van der Merwe, the Scotland and British & Irish Lions powerhouse.
But here’s the catch: to make room for the prolific winger, Bath might have to make a tough call—potentially letting go of
Joe Cokanasiga to stay within their salary cap.
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Duhan’s Journey: A Blockbuster Homecoming on Hold?
Fans were buzzing about a possible return for the 29-year-old van der Merwe, who hails from George, Western Cape. He hasn’t played for a South African team since he left the Bulls seven years ago to kick off his European career with Montpellier.
Top 14 Temptation? Duhan in Talks Across the Channel
Van der Merwe, Scotland’s all-time try-scoring sensation, has reportedly been speaking to multiple Top 14 clubs about a potential move across the channel next summer. The lure of France’s top league is strong, and he’s certainly drawing interest from several teams.
Duhan van der Merwe of Scotland Rugby goes over for a try and celebrates during the Six Nations Rugby match between Wales and Scotland at Principality Stadium on February 3, 2024 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Stormers Slam the Brakes on Rumours
Reports in Rapport had suggested that the Stormers were looking for outside investment to fund a signing, as van der Merwe wouldn’t qualify for central funding with the Springboks. But Stormers CEO Johan le Roux quickly shut down these rumors, telling News24 that the club is “not in the market” and prefers to “look within their own region to identify and develop their wings.”
From Bulls to Bath? A Look Back at Van der Merwe’s Career
The powerful winger’s journey has spanned continents. After his early days with the Bulls, he moved to Montpellier, rose to prominence with Worcester Warriors, and became a record-breaking force for Scotland. What’s next?]“Brutally targeted” – Five players who flopped in the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series
Here’s a look at five players who’ll want to leave their performances behind after the All Blacks defeated England and Scotland routed Fiji in the Autumn Nations Series opener.
Ellis Genge (England)
Guardian 5/10: "Back from calf injury and gassed by Tele’a for first try. Embraced the blitz defence but beaten by Jordan too easily as well."
Telegraph 5/10: "Brutally targeted by the All Blacks for their opening tries by Tele’a and Jordan. Rule of thumb: don’t leave your prop exposed against All Black outside backs."
Ben Spencer (England)
Guardian 5/10: "First start at 32 and looked nervous, caught out at one ruck on his own 22 and charged down. Settled thereafter but not the statement showing he’d have liked."
Tommy Freeman (England)
Guardian 5/10: "Handling a bit shaky under the high ball early on but that improved. Not much of chance to show what he can do with the ball."
Telegraph 5/10: "A disappointing showing. His high-ball work is usually his calling card but was very poor here, helping New Zealand to dominate the early aerial exchanges."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "Not a great deal to say for a player who had a lot to deal with in Mark Tele’a and failed to really stamp his mark on the game."
Samuela Tawake (FIji)
Rugby Pass 4/10: "Conceded an early scrum penalty which eventually resulted in Scotland’s first try of the match. Had a tough time at scrum time, which was part of Fiji’s undoing in an ill-disciplined affair."
Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand)
Rugby Pass 3/10: "One of the All Blacks best this year finally had on off day. An ankle tap on Maro Itoje helped save a bad situation in the first half.
"Took a massive shot from Cunningham-South and spilt the ball, the All Blacks conceded a penalty from the scrum. Dropped the pass with an open line ahead on what was probably a forward pass from Sititi, but nonetheless a possible try scoring moment. Pinged right on half-time for side maul entry. Off at 41."
Telegraph 5/10: "Received a thunderous welcome from Cunningham-South in the first half and spilled a Sititi pass which did ask too much of him. Limped off a minute into the second half.
Planet Rugby 5/10: "New Zealand had their lineout wobbles, while Vaa’i struggled to put it about physically. The lock also dropped a ball which he should have held with the tryline in his sight. "
Can you name the top 100 mens capped rugby players of all-time?!
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best. Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage. Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
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