One of the worst-kept secrets in domestic rugby finally came to fruition on Monday. The rumour-mill had been churning ever since reports revealed van der Merwe was not keen on renewing his Lions contract, sparking interest from the local Sharks franchise as well as Sale Sharks in England.

On Monday, the Lions released an official statement saying that van der Merwe had called time on his stint in Johannesburg after four seasons.

"Emirates Lions speedster Edwill van der Merwe has opted not to renew his contract with the franchise at the end of the 2024/25 season," the statement read.

Shortly after, the Sharks took to social media to welcome the 28-year-old to the burgeoning Sharks ranks. Van der Merwe will add to the likes of Makazole Mapimpi, Eduan Keyter and Ethan Hooker on the wings.

The rapid winger has impressed at the Lions over the years and earned himself a Springbok call-up in June last year, where he ran out against Wales. Once again, van der Merwe showed his talent, scoring a fantastic solo try and was named Man of the Match.

Injuries then plagued the Stellenbosch native, which hampered his Springbok ambitions late last year.

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