The Rugby Paper

So much for loyalty, Duhan

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SO South Africa U20 and 7s star Duhan van der Merwe, having just qualified for Scotland by residence last autumn when he made a big impact in his first couple of caps, is off to Worcester to seek fame and fortune next season. So much for loyalty to your adopted nation and the club that enabled you to qualify for said nation.

Next stop after Worcester? Probably Japan, that’s where the big money is and where many of the mercenarie­s end up.

Frankly it defies belief that such a proud nation – let alone such a great sporting nation – as Scotland allow this to happen although they are not alone.

I wonder if SRU chief executive Mark Dodson – and heaven knows he gets paid enough – has ever jotted down how many of the Kilted Kiwis and Bok Joks of the last, say 20-odd years, have ever stayed on to make their ‘beloved’ Scotland their permanent home and given back to Scottish rugby in a significan­t way? It won’t take long, Mark. The list might well start and finish with the splendid Sean Lineen.

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