Glasgow Warriors land new signing Van der Merwe as Henco Venter plays pivotal part in deal

The 27-year-old is currently with the Airlink Pumas and will link up with Franco Smith’s squad at the conclusion of his club’s Currie Cup campaign.

He is the first new Warriors arrival for next season and the signing helps reverse the flow of players out of Scotstoun. Five of the club’s Scotland internationals are set to leave at the end of the current campaign, with Adam Hastings, Huw Jones, Jack Dempsey, Jamie Bhatti and Johnny Matthews all moving on.

Van der Merwe, who has a degree in quantity surveying, has promised to bring “a physical edge” to Glasgow and said that a conversation with former Warriors favourite Venter played a part in his decision to move to Scotland.

“I’m incredibly excited and very grateful to have signed with Glasgow Warriors,” he told the club’s webstite.

‘A prestigious set-up’

“I’ve followed the club for a while, and I never imagined I’d get the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious set-up. I’m looking forward to giving my best and contributing wherever I can.

“I spoke to Franco before signing, who told me a lot about the environment and his coaching approach. What stood out is how much he values the individual and focuses on developing areas of your game that need improvement.

“I also spoke to Henco Venter, who had nothing but great things to say about the club and life in Glasgow, which made the decision even more exciting for me and my family.

“Supporters can expect a physical edge from me. Coming from South Africa, that’s something I take pride in. I enjoy carrying hard, using a mix of strength and speed, getting my hands free for offloads, and contributing physically on defence and at set-piece time. I want to make an impact in all areas and add as much as I can to the team.”

Van der Merwe first caught the eye with the University of the Free State and signed for the Pumas in 2022 after impressing in the Varsity Cup. He helped the Pumas reach the 2023 Currie Cup final where the Mpumalanga Province-based side lost to the Toyota Cheetahs.

Strong work ethic

Two years later Van der Merwe captained the Pumas to glory in the 2025 SA Cup, leading his squad to the title with an 11-match winning streak that culminated in a 39-14 win over the Griquas in the Grand Final.

Smith, the Glasgow head coach, believes the new signing will bring a strong work ethic.

“Ruwald is a player that we have been keeping an eye on for a while, having identified him as someone that we believe can bring real value to what we are aiming to build here,” said Smith.

“He is a strong carrier who brings a real work ethic to everything he does, and he is excited to become a Glasgow Warrior from next season.”