The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Warriors’ record try scorer to leave Scotstoun
DTH van der Merwe, Glasgow Warriors alltime record try scorer and one of the most popular imports to play for the club, is moving on from Scotstoun at the end of this season.
The South-african born Canadian international winger scored 54 tries in 123 appearances in two spells with the club. He first signed in 2009 and was there for six years, scoring two of the club’s most memorable tries in the PRO12 semi-final against Ulster and the final against Munster on their way to their first title.
After a short spell at Scarlets – where he also won a PRO12 title – and at Newcastle, he returned to Scotstoun in March 2018. Only Tommy Bowe has scored more tries in the history of PRO14 rugby.
In international rugby, van der Merwe played in four World Cups for Canada, captaining his country and scoring a record 38 tries in 61 appearances, finishing that part of his career at last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“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.”
Glasgow head coach Dave Rennie paid tribute to van der Merwe’s contribution: “DTH 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 hard running winger with a massive work 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.”
Warriors managing director Nathan Bombrys added: “DTH is going to go down in club history as an all-time great of Glasgow rugby.
“Not only is he our alltime leading try-scorer, but the importance of some of the tries he scored proved just what a big-game player he is.
“No fan will ever forget his return from hand surgery to score that try in the 2015 semi-final against Ulster at Scotstoun.
“Any club that he joins will not only be getting a fantastic player, but an outstanding person.
“We hope we haven’t seen his final match at Scotstoun, and we wish him, Gill and the children all the best for the future.”
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