The versatile Van der Merwe recently made his return to the park after an injury layoff and has been in good form following the setback and could play in Saturday’s game against the Peacock Blues.

Van der Merwe has been at the Cheetahs since 2017 and has spent his entire senior career in Bloemfontein. For a long time has had to wait from regular game time, especially when the Springbok Joseph Dweba still plied his trade at the union.

The player that hails from Nelspruit is also equally comfortable on the flank and has presented the Cheetahs in the past on the side of the scrum.

The 26-year-old player who recently signed a contract extension told OFM Sport that he is just grateful to be able to play the sport.

“I'm privileged to be able to play fifty games for the Cheetahs and show everyone the talent that God gave me,” said Van der Merwe.

“Injury wise it has been back luck for me, but I'm getting back to form and I think my rugby is only starting now.

“I'm just extremely happy to still be able to play this game and show everyone the talent God game me.”

Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 13:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport