The Toyota Cheetahs hooker, Marnus van der Merwe, is over the moon after being invited to attend the upcoming Springbok alignment camp in Cape Town.

The 27-year-old is the first Cheetahs player to receive an invite since Frans Steyn, who has since retired as a player.

Sadly, the player will be lost to the Cheetahs later in the year after having signed a contract to head back to Wales where he will play for the Llanelli-based Scarlets. Late last year he enjoyed a short stint at the Swansea-based Ospreys where he played for the club in the United Rugby Championship.

Van der Merwe told OFM Sport a person can achieve anything through hard work.

“I am very happy to be part of the alignment camp and to be able to play for the Cheetahs is a great privilege, but it is very tough for a player if you are not playing in one of the bigger competitions such as the United Rugby Championship.

“But if you work hard and fighting on your knees can take you a long way. I thank God as well as the Cheetahs. Without them I would not be where I am today.

“I'll give it my best, and hopefully that's what they're looking for.”

The 43 invited players will assemble for the alignment camp in the Mother City on 4 March.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport