Van der Merwe has spent a lengthy period on the sidelines due to a long-term injury and he is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation.

Van der Merwe, who was named as the Cheetahs Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year in 2022, has been out of action since injuring his ACL during the captain’s run on the eve of their heartbreaking defeat to the Pumas in the semi-finals of the Currie Cup.

On Sunday night, the Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, indicated that Van der Merwe will be back for the start of the Currie Cup and he should also be in contention for a spot in the squad for the clash against Toulon.

Van der Merwe told OFM Sport that he is hoping to be back for their Currie Cup opener against the Griquas on 11 March.

"I'm almost there and I'm really excited to get back on the pitch and to train at full contact with the team," said Van der Merwe, who made the number six jersey his own.

"Hopefully I can throw my name in the hat to be up for selection for the Currie Cup and Toulon in the round of 16.

"It's an exciting time for me and I'm really excited to get back out there."

The Cheetahs will reassemble again on 6 February in order to start preparing for the Currie Cup. The provisional fixtures indicate that the Cheetahs will tackle the Griquas on 11 March in Kimberley and a week later they will face the Griffons in Welkom.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek