The live-wire flanker joins the Cheetahs after a three-year spell at the Griquas where he established himself as one of the best players at the union.

Van der Merwe has been linked with a loan spell at the Lions where he is expected to represent the franchise in the United Rugby Challenge.

Van der Merwe told OFM Sport that he looks forward to the new chapter in his career at the Cheetahs, but it was hard greeting the Griquas.

“I'm super excited to join the Cheetahs in November and I look forward to maybe playing in some European rugby and going overseas.

“Saying goodbye to the Griquas wasn't easy because I was there for almost three years.

“It was really special for me, they helped me develop as a player and they will stay really close to my heart.”

Van der Merwe added that the deal to go to the Lions as a loan player is not finalised yet.

“Regarding the Lions loan, it's not 100% finalised yet. I'm still waiting on a couple of deciding factors and the news did come out a bit prematurely. I'm still just waiting for confirmation on that.”

Van der Merwe will be joined at the Cheetahs by two other Griquas teammates, Daniel Kasende and Mox Mxoli.

On Wednesday it was confirmed that the two Cheetahs scrumhalves, Ruan Pienaar and Tian Meyer, will help out at the Sharks in the URC.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport