Selection for a second British & Irish Lions Tour may rank as one of the greatest moments in Duhan van der Merwe’s career, but the Scotland winger has “unfinished business” in the famous red jersey.
Four years ago, the 29-year-old started every Test for Warren Gatland’s outfit in the country of his birth. But the Lions fell short in their quest of achieving a series win over South Africa – losing 2-1 amidst the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic which saw all three matches played with no fans present.
However, that result has been a driving force for Van der Merwe ever since, and the Edinburgh man is relishing another crack at Lions success.
“I definitely think there is some unfinished business for us, having lost the series four years ago,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to putting that right and competing against the best as part of The British & Irish Lions.
“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.”
Selection came as a surprise to Van der Merwe, who was watching the announcement at home with his wife Nika, with his availability initially appearing touch-and-go following an ankle injury he picked up on club duty in late March.
But with his recovery going well and a return date pencilled in for May, Van der Merwe felt honoured to be selected by Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell.
He added: “I was a wee bit shocked. I did not know what to expect, especially with having this niggle. It was obviously playing in the back of my mind, but at the same time, I know how badly I really wanted to go on a second Tour.
“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 and I am so honoured.”
Edinburgh teammate Pierre Schoeman will also join Van der Merwe on the plane to Australia as part of the eight Scotland internationals that made the cut.
And the 31-year-old former Bulls player, who joined The Hive-based team in 2018 and made his Scotland debut in 2021 after completing residency requirements, believes nothing beats selection for the touring side.
“It is the pinnacle,” said Schoeman, who is a first-time tourist.
“I am very proud of what Edinburgh and Scotland has given us. I believe you do create your own luck and personally for me, my faith and my wife probably kept me strong through this whole process of moving to a different country and making Edinburgh and Scotland home.
“Now that I am part of The British & Irish Lions squad, it just fuels my fire even more.”
READ MORE: Five things we learned from the Squad Announcement
Born in Nelspruit, the prop explained how once he and his wife Charissa had decided to make the move from the Southern Hemisphere north, becoming a Lion was something he was determined to make happen.
“We took this journey like two Vikings,” he continued. “Leaving South Africa for Scotland with all the sacrifices involved.
“And I made the decision to write it down as a goal for me, that I must be on the next British & Irish Lions Tour when I qualified for Scotland. I have worked hard and sacrificed a lot to be in the squad and now I can celebrate that I have done it, it feels real.”
And with the 30-year-old having six Lions caps across two Tours under his belt, Schoeman thinks he is more than qualified to lead the team Down Under.
“It is easy to follow someone that has been there and done it in the big moments – winning trophies along the way,” he added.
“Full support to him and Andy and we will have their backs all over the pitch and off it too.
“In every action we do, we will support them however we can.”
