‘Van der Merwe can be the new Xavier orTito’
CARDIFF Blues have confirmed the signing of South African international Franco van der Merwe from Ulster, with coach Danny Wilson saying he will be a great addition both on and off the field.
Wilson believes the vastly experienced Springbok second row can help bring on the Blues’ youngsters in the same way that Kiwis Xavier Rush and Paul Tito did some years ago.
Van der Merwe will head to the Arms Park this summer, having been a big success during his three-year stay with Ulster, making the Pro12 Dream Team in his first season.
“Franco is a big leadership figure which is what we need in our front five. We need to add depth in leadership and in that position,” said Wilson.
“He has been a fantastic player for Ulster and he’s played right at the top end of the game. He is a great signing and one we are looking forward to bringing here, for two reasons.
“There’s an on-field presence first of all, but also an off field and training ground presence for some of our pros.
“The average age of our forwards is 25. We have got a number of players under that age and I think the likes of Franco can really help bring those guys on.
“If you speak to some of our established pros, such as Sam Warburton, when they came through they were working with the likes of Xavier Rush and Paul Tito, who were very influential on their career.
“To have a couple of those figureheads here is important. He will help with our balance.”
Van der Merwe will turn 34 in March, but Wilson is convinced he still has plenty of gas in the tank.
“Gethin Jenkins is 36 and I don’t think there’s many people would say Gethin is done. He’s had one of the best years he has ever had,” he said.
“Age is a number. Franco plays a huge amount of rugby and continues to do so.
“When you see him, he is in great nick, he really looks after himself. There are a number of players out there who are still playing well into the latter stages of their career, agewise.
“We are a very young squad compared to some of the others and we need to add in that experienced kind of player.
“We need a couple of senior pros to add to our leadership and Franco is one of those.”
The Blues have been in the market for a lock for some time now. They were interested in Welsh internationals Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies, only for them to head for Bath and the Ospreys respectively.
At 6ft 6ins and 18st 4lbs, Van der Merwe will certainly bring a physical presence, while he is also renowned for his technical expertise at the lineout, his strong scrummaging and outstanding work-rate.
Born in Paarl, in the Western Cape of South Africa, he began his career with the Potchefstroom-based Leopards, before switching to the Golden Lions in Johannesburg.
He stepped up to the Lions Super Rugby franchise in 2007 and made 85 appearances for them over seven years.
After being included in several Springbok squads, he finally made his debut against New Zealand in October 2013. That was to be his solitary cap, as he headed for Ulster the following year.