Edinburgh received a boost ahead of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship showdown with the Emirates Lions after the news that British and Irish Lion Duhan van der Merwe had signed again with the club.
Van der Merwe was a free agent after Worcester Warriors closed down and all player contracts were terminated in a sad state of affairs this week in England and Mike Blair’s side had no hesitation but to snap him up again.
The deal - subject to visa, medical and regulatory clearances - will see the 105kg winger return to the side that made him an international after leaving the Bulls for Edinburgh several seasons ago.
He made a try-scoring debut against Georgia in the dark blue of Scotland at Murrayfield in 2020 and has racked up 12 tries in 19 tests to date, as well as starting all three of the Lions’ test matches against South Africa last year.
His return, after two seasons with Worcester Warriors, is a major boost to the capital club and Van der Merwe will now compete for a place in a talented back-three group.
Head Coach Mike Blair was pleased to secure the signing of the star winger, which stands as a statement of intent for the club’s style and ambition for the seasons ahead, while sending his sympathies to all those impacted at Worcester.
He said: “I’d first like to send my thoughts to all those impacted at Worcester and to all players, staff and supporters affected by today’s sad news.
“Duhan is a phenomenal athlete and rugby player who’s showcased his abilities at the highest level. He developed significantly in his three years here and we’re looking forward to continuing that together. He’s very much one of our own and we’re really pleased he’s coming home.
“It’s an exciting development for the entertaining, attacking brand of rugby we’re building at the club and something I’m sure supporters will be thrilled about too.We were already pretty strong in that area [back-three], but Duhan becoming available as part of the goings on at Worcester was hard for Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby to ignore.
“We’re really pleased to see Duhan back in Edinburgh colours and for supporters to watch him competing for a spot on the wing week in, week out at DAM Health Stadium is very exciting indeed.”
Duhan van der Merwe, said: “I’d like to thank the Worcester fans and staff for all their support during this difficult period, it’s something I’ll never forget.
“Edinburgh is home and it’s a club I have a special connection with. Many of the players and staff are like family to me and I’m hugely excited to return and get started once again.
“I’ve kept tabs on the club and it’s clearly in a really positive place. It’ll be special to make my ‘second debut’ for the team – running out at the new stadium in front of the Edinburgh supporters will be an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to get started.”