Edinburgh have taken advantage of Worcester Warriors’ struggles by striking a deal to bring Scotland and British & Irish Lions flyer Duhan van der Merwe back to the United Rugby Championship outfit.
Worcester’s liquidation on Wednesday meant that all the Premiership club’s players’ contracts were terminated.
Swift return
And Edinburgh have moved quickly to re-sign Van der Merwe, who left the Scottish capital club for Worcester in 2021.
“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,” head coach Mike Blair told Edinburgh’s website.
“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.”
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South African-born Van der Merwe scored 32 tries in 67 matches during his first spell for Edinburgh, whom he joined from Top 14 outfit Montpellier in 2017. His excellent form earned him an international call-up after he qualified for Scotland on residency grounds.
The 6ft 4in flyer has scored 12 tries in 19 Tests since making his Scotland debut against Georgia at Murrayfield in 2020 and he started all three of the Lions’ Tests against the Springboks in South Africa last year.
Blair is delighted that Van der Merwe is returning to Edinburgh and the strength in depth he will help add in Edinburgh’s back three.
“We were already pretty strong in that area, but Duhan becoming available as part of the goings on at Worcester was hard for Scottish Rugby and Edinburgh Rugby to ignore,” he said.
“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.”
Edinburgh moved into the Dam Health Stadium in 2021 after Van der Merwe’s departure to the Warriors and he is looking forward to playing at the club’s new home for the first time.
Thankful to Worcester Warriors
“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,” he said.
“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.”