Van der Merwe has been on the Springbok radar for quite some time – even before he left the Cheetahs to join the Scarlets in Wales. He has been included in various Springbok alignment camps over the past year, and now he’s one step closer to realising a lifelong dream.

Van der Merwe is seen as an ideal replacement for the experienced Deon Fourie, who is currently unavailable due to injury. The Lowveld-born player has also featured at flank for the Cheetahs in the past, and this versatility is a major asset for the Springboks.

Marnus van der Merwe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Last week, the 28-year-old was named in the 55-man Springbok squad for the upcoming clash against the Barbarians, as well as the Tests against Georgia and Italy.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Van der Merwe said donning the Green and Gold has always been a dream of his.

“As a young boy, you sit in front of the TV watching your heroes play – so for me, being in the squad is such a big privilege,” said Van der Merwe.

“I believe God’s timing is perfect. I’m just going to use this opportunity, work as hard as I can, and grab it with both hands. We’ll see where the journey takes me.

“I also owe a lot of thanks to the Scarlets for backing me and giving me the opportunity. They contracted me and allowed me to play this year – hats off to them.

“Like I said, I’m going to keep working hard, stay grounded, and make the most of this chance.”

Meanwhile, the Springboks reported for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday and are set to begin on-field training as preparations began for the international season. The squad has since been expanded by one, with Evan Roos of the Stormers called up after initially being left out.

Evan Roos in his Springbok debut against Wales in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, the Bulls players will not be part of this week’s camp, as they are travelling to Ireland for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship final against Leinster in Dublin.

The Boks’ season kicks off on 28 June at the Cape Town Stadium when they host the Barbarians in a historic match in the Mother City.

55-man Springbok squad:

Forwards - Juarno Augustus, Lood de Jager, Renzo du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Neethling Fouché, Cameron Hanekom, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nché, Ruan Nortjé, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Evan Roos, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Tshituka, Marco van Staden, Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, and Jasper Wiese

Backs - Lukhanyo Am, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Quan Horn, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Ntokozo Makhaza, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morné van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe, Damian Willemse, and Grant Williams

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg