Bulls sign Springbok Akker van der Merwe

The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the signing of former Sale Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe on a three-year deal.

The three-cap Springbok’s departure from Sale was confirmed on Friday after four years and 70 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership side, and he will now begin his stint at his fourth South African club, having previously played for the Leopards, Lions and the Sharks.

The hooker won all three of his Test caps in June 2018 against Wales and twice against England, with all three appearances coming from the bench.

The void left by the 32-year-old at the AJ Bell Stadium was swiftly filled by former Argentina captain Agustin Creevy, who was in need of a new club after London Irish’s suspension.

Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone said after signing van der Merwe: “We are thrilled to have Akker join us and a player of his skill and calibre will be a wonderful addition for our franchise as we continue evolving and set our eyes on success across the various competitions.

“He is also a well-travelled player that has continuously done well wherever he has played and that speaks of a resilient character that will be of great help to our younger players too. I know he is a player who is keen to give as much as he can, and his know-how will be invaluable for us.

“We welcome him to the capital and hope that he will have a wonderful time running out with the herd in blue.”