'Every time I saw the surgeon, she was surprised at where I was... she just kept making my rehab tougher'

DTH van der Merwe refused to accept his season was over following shoulder surgery in February and could be rewarded for his perseverance by featuring in the Guinness PRO14 semi-finals.

The Glasgow winger is in line to make his comeback in Friday’s visit of Ulster to Scotstoun. The Canada international said: “It’s been a tough road from getting injured in January against Saracens. I finished the game and I knew there was something wrong with my shoulder, but I didn’t think I’d need surgery.

“But I had a scan, had the surgery and the season was over. But luckily with the recovery and rehab I have had, I have come on leaps and bounds and the surgeon said I was good to play. So I’m up for selection.

“Once I had the surgery, I just decided to do everything to make it back. Around six to eight weeks post-surgery I felt I had a lot more range than I had after my previous shoulder surgery. Every time I saw the surgeon, she was surprised at where I was with my range, motion and strength, and just kept making my rehab tougher.”

Glasgow’s near three-week break following their final league game could work in the winger’s favour with Dave Rennie’s training geared towards maintaining a competitive edge. “We train really hard and make sure we get the contact,” he said. “It’s been perfect for me.

??? Back fit earlier than expected, DTH van der Merwe discusses his shoulder rehab, the upcoming World Cup and THAT semi-final against Ulster 4 years ago #WarriorsWeekly

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“There was a possibility I could have played in the Edinburgh game, but it gave me another three weeks to get my confidence up and make sure the shoulder was right.”

Warriors are desperate to seal a place in the final, especially as it takes place at Celtic Park. “There’s obviously a buzz around Glasgow about it, everyone speaks about it,” van der Merwe said.

“The players would be really excited to play there. There’s obviously quite a few Celtic supporters in the team, the same with the staff as well, our physio (Nicola McGuire) is a huge Celtic supporter. You wouldn’t want to not be there being a Glaswegian.”

WATCH: The RugbyPass fly on the wall documentary on the 2018 PRO14 final