Ruwald van Der Merwe
| Born | 29 July 1998 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 110 kg (243 lb; 17 st 5 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Vastrap Primary School / Rustenburg High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of the Free State | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ruwald van der Merwe (born 29 July 1998) is a South African rugby union player.[1]
Rugby Union career
Amateur career
Van Der Merwe started playing rugby at Vastrap Primary School, before joining the school side at Rustenburg High School. He was spotted by Melusi Mthethwa, now South Africa's Under 20 coach, and was offered a bursary at the University of Free State where he could continue his rugby development.[2]
He played for the University of the Free State rugby team, the FNB UFS Shimlas. He played in the Varsity Cup matches for the university side.[3][4]
Professional career
He joined the Pumas in 2022. A year later the Pumas were in the Currie Cup final. In 2025, he captained the Pumas side to win the Currie Cup.
On 31 March 2026 Glasgow Warriors announced they had signed Van Der Merwe on a two year deal starting the season 2026-27.[5] Prior to his signing it was revealed that he called the one time Warriors stalwart and fan favourite Henco Venter. Venter said 'I told him he must take it with both hands. It will be the best decision for his rugby career and in his life.'[6] Van Der Merwe revealed that Venter: 'had nothing but great things to say about the club and life in Glasgow'.[7]
References
- ↑ "Ruwald van der Merwe". www.ultimaterugby.com.
- ↑ "Ruwald's Leadership Shines in SA Cup Victory". June 7, 2025.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/varsitycup/photos/a.5343609185711905/5343610449045112/?_rdr
- ↑ "Maties to host Tuks in FNB Varsity Cup Final | SA Rugby". springboks.rugby. Retrieved 2026-07-06.
- ↑ "Glasgow Warriors sign van der Merwe".
- ↑ "Venter backs new Warrior". glasgowwarriors.com.
- ↑ "Glasgow Warriors make first signing ahead of 2026/27 as Van der Merwe joins". Scotland Rugby News. March 31, 2026.