Van der Merwe bows out at top of Glasgow try list
GLASGOW WARRIORS’ record try-scorer, DTH van der Merwe – who has crossed the whitewash 54 times in 123 appearances during two separate stints at the club – is to leave Scotstoun this summer. The South African-born and Canadian-raised 34-year-old plans to keep playing but it is not clear at this point where that might be.
The winger established himself as a firm fan favourite after arriving at the club in 2009, with a major highlight being his try-scoring performance in the 2015 PRO12 Grand Final victory over Munster, which was his last match before moving to Scarlets. He had also scored a try in the semi-final victory over Ulster.
He had two seasons in South Wales – scoring another Grand Final try when Scarlets won the 2016 PRO12 title – and then had a short stint with Newcastle Falcons, before returning to Glasgow in March 2018.
Since then, he has scored 11 tries in 27 appearances, whilst battling against Tommy Seymour, Kyle Steyn, Niko Matawalu, Lee Jones, Ratu Tagive and Rory Hughes for game time.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my career, and I couldn’t have asked for a better return to the club,” said van der Merwe. “I’m proud to have been a part of this club’s journey, from the days at Firhill to where we are today.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity Sean Lineen gave me at the start, as well as to Gregor Townsend and Dave Rennie for their faith in me. It’s not a goodbye – it’s a ‘see you in the future’, because it’s a special city and a special country.
“I’m still looking to play for another couple of years – I’m not ready to call it quits yet! – but I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on Glasgow from wherever we end up next.”
Van der Merwe is a trained firefighter and has stated in the past that he would like to combine that with staying involved in rugby.
“I would love to be part of Rugby Canada at some point and in some sort of way,” he said in June 2018. “I think I have a lot of experiences I can pass down to the younger generation. I like finding young players, working with them and talking to them about their games.
“If there is a job like that in Canada then hopefully, someday, I can put my hand up for it.
“I’ve got my qualifications already for [firefighting]. I went to Texas four years ago with Connor Braid, who was also at
Glasgow. We did our training together and I’ve done my first aid here in Glasgow. There are a few things I have to top up, like a driver’s license, small courses to take to build up the CV that I’ll focus on when I make that decision to retire.
“I would like to live in Victoria someday, but I’ll move anywhere in Canada. It’s a great country and every province has its ups and downs. If you go to Alberta you might struggle with the winter for a year or so but at least you’re getting a great summer. It’s just wherever I can get a job, I think.
“I’ve set my sights on becoming a firefighter after rugby but I don’t think I would ever not be involved with rugby.”
Dave Rennie, who was the coach that brought van der Merwe back to Glasgow just over two years ago, paid tribute to the player.
“He is one of the best players to come out of Canada and has the resumé to back it up, including winning two PRO12 titles and playing in four Rugby World Cups. He’s a powerful, explosive and winger with a ethic.
“The importance of family and the close relationship with Warriors brought DTH back to Glasgow and he has been a major contributor to the club ever since. He’s a top man and we wish DTH, Gill and the kids well in their next endeavour.”
Van der Merwe’s departure is likely to heighten speculation about Sean Maitland returning to the club from relegated Saracens. hard-running massive work