It is a long way from Western Cape to East Lothian but Duhan van der Merwe has found his home in Edinburgh.
The winger has developed into one of the most lethal try-scorers in world rugby since arriving on Scottish shores in 2017, a status reflected by a second Lions call-up ahead of this summer’s Tour of Australia.
A hulking figure able to reach a frightening top speed, Van der Merwe is one of the most eye-catching sights in the game in full flight and has developed a penchant for producing big scores when it matters.
Ahead of his second Lions Tour this summer, this is his journey to the top.
SOUTH AFRICAN START
Van der Merwe’s rugby journey began in his native South Africa, where he played for Outeniqa High School before he rose through the provincial ranks.
Four tries at the famous Craven Week competition caught the eye of national selectors and earned him a place in the South Africa Schools squad that played in the Under-18 International Series.
Van der Merwe’s upward trajectory continued with a move to Pretoria’s Blue Bulls as part of their academy in 2014.
In the same year, he received a late call-up to the South Africa squad for the 2014 Junior World Championship where they lost in the final to England.
A full debut came for the Blue Bulls in 2016, before he departed for Montpellier that summer.
FRENCH FRUSTRATIONS
Van der Merwe arrived in the south of France as a 21-year-old and joined a healthy South African contingent coached by World Cup winner Jake White.
But it was a case of too much, too soon for the young prospect, who made just three appearances amidst a star-studded squad.
“Things didn’t go as expected as I was basically up against the best in the world,” he told the Scotsman in 2018.
“That made it quite tough for me as a youngster coming over and wanting to play professional rugby. It was tough. I was just a junior competing against internationals.”
SCOTTISH SALVATION
A year in the Montpellier sun may have been ideal weather, but it did not give Van der Merwe what he truly craved: game time.
That came with a move to Edinburgh in 2017, but it was hard-earned as the wing fought to prove his fitness.
"I got the opportunity to come to Edinburgh and then I failed my medical," Van der Merwe told the BBC.
"I thought, where next? If I fail that and Cockers (Richard Cockerill) didn't say, 'Nah, I want to keep him', that's probably me. Who is going to rehab me?
"My head was all over the place. I didn't really know where to go next. I'm really happy Edinburgh gave me an opportunity and looked after me.”
Cockerill’s decision would prove prescient, but the former England international praised the winger for keeping up his end of the bargain after earning a show of faith.
“When Duhan came he was very young, very raw and injured. He had to have hip surgery, so we had to put our faith in him,” Cockerill told The Courier in 2020.
“We could have sent him straight back to France. Instead, we spent time, money and effort getting him fit, but that’s been a two-way effort. He’s worked really hard.
“He’s got a unique skill set. Duhan has the big point of difference – he can have the ball 70 metres from the line and, if he gets an opportunity, he’s going to take it.
“He has pure pace, his footwork, his power, he’s scored tries from nothing."
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
Van der Merwe quickly became a firm favourite in the capital and soon got the call from Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend after he became eligible following three years of residency.
He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Georgia in October 2020.
Van der Merwe’s incredible record against England began in 2021, as he scored the winning try in an historic Calcutta Cup victory – Scotland’s first at Twickenham since 1983.
More heroics followed in the same championship with two tries against France in Paris to seal Scotland’s first win in Paris since 1999.
Van der Merwe was soon a key part of Townsend’s side and struck again against England with two tries in 2023 – including a stunning 60m break – before sealing his Calcutta Cup legacy with a hat-trick at Murrayfield a year later.
It confirmed his status as one of the world’s best try-scorers, and he duly overtook fellow Lion Stuart Hogg as Scotland’s record try-scorer in July 2024.
ONCE, TWICE A LION
Van der Merwe’s dream introduction to the international stage earned him ultimate recognition when he was included in Warren Gatland’s squad for the 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, less than a year after making his Scotland debut.
Van der Merwe got the nod to start the first Test, which saw the Lions prevail 22-17, and the wing did enough to retain his place for the other two Tests, ultimately playing every single minute across the three matches.
His litany of impressive performances throughout the ensuing four years was sufficient to convince Andy Farrell to include him for a second Tour in 2025, and this time he is determined to come back a series winner this time around.
“I definitely think there is some unfinished business for us, having lost the series four years ago,” he said.
“It is going to be a real battle to potentially start in one of the Tests because we have got some unbelievable players, but one I am looking forward to.
“I want to experience it with the fans there. That is something I really missed out on, so having the opportunity to go on a second Tour is absolutely amazing. I am so honoured.”
TEAMMATE TIPPLE
Van der Merwe joined Worcester Warriors following the 2021 Tour and was a hit in England before his time south of the border was curtailed following the club’s demise in 2022.
The wing returned home to Edinburgh, where he has once more found his feet and signed a new contract through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in December 2024.
"This club and city are my home," Van der Merwe said. "My wife and I love it here and I'm incredibly proud to represent the city and our supporters.
“I joined Edinburgh as a boy and the club has made me into the player I am today. I’m eager to continue writing my story here. I owe it to the club and the fans to give my all in the years to come.”
His Lothian roots now extend beyond the rugby pitch too, with Van der Merwe creating a whisky brand, Hirundine, alongside fellow Lion Pierre Schoeman.
