The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed the signing of former Springbok prop Marcel van der Merwe from French club Toulon.
The 29-year-old Van der Merwe has been plying his trade at Toulon since 2015, having joined the club from the Bulls.
Rumours have been circulating that Van der Merwe is on his way back to South Africa to play for the Bulls this year and on Saturday the union finally moved to confirm the news. The 29-year-old front rower will join the union as of July 2020.
Welcome Home @marcel_vdm3 #BullsFamily pic.twitter.com/3lflfJ8xn5
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 2, 2020
Van der Merwe established himself at the Bulls when he moved from the Cheetahs in 2014 after making his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Bloemfontein-based side.
A former Grey College, Junior Bok and South Africa A representative, Van der Merwe made 45 Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls and earned seven Test caps for the Springboks.
‘I’m excited to confirm that I’ve signed with the Vodacom Bulls. Loftus and the Bulls have always had a special place in my heart and I look forward to coming back home. I’ll see you all soon,’ Van der Merwe said in a recorded video message that was shared on the Bulls’ social media platforms.
Van der Merwe returns to Loftus Versfeld.#BullsFamily Marcel van der Merwe joins the Vodacom Bulls as of July 2020.
Read more: https://t.co/2nYrWtAgo7 pic.twitter.com/TeJx9ryw6E
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 2, 2020
Photo: Bulls Rugby
