Akker van der Merwe to join Sale Sharks ahead of 2019/20 season

Sale Sharks have made their second South Africa international signing in the day with Akker van der Merwe set to join the Gallagher Premiership ahead of the 2019/20 season.

The 27-year-old was part of the Super Rugby side Lions between 2014 and 2017 and had a loan stint with Racing 92 in 2015. He also helped Lions reach the finals in the 2016 season of Super Rugby.

The 5 ft 10 in hooker moved to Sharks in 2017 and in his first year he helped the side to Currie Cup final and his performances saw him called up to South Africa squad for the 2018 summer series where he featured in all the three Tests - one against Wales and two against England.

Van der Merwe is also currently the leading try scorer in the 2019 Super Rugby where he managed three touchdowns from two games.

“I feel the time is right in my career for a move away from South Africa. I have just started a family and after considering all my options with them, I feel this is the best one to take for us as a family.

"I am good mates with Faf De Klerk and having spoken with him, he only has good things to say about Sale so we are really excited about joining the club and experiencing a new lifestyle in Manchester.

For the meantime though, along with Rob I am fully committed to the Cell C Sharks and I will be doing everything I can to be as successful as possible in my final season in Durban.”

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond expressed delight on van der Merwe joining the AJ Bell Stadium outfit.

“I am delighted to announce the signing of Akker. He is a world class player and he will be an excellent addition to the squad.”