Bottom Line: Akker van der Merwe is a 34-year-old South African rugby hooker currently playing for the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship, with an impressive career spanning multiple continents and featuring three Springbok caps.
Personal Background and Early Life
Armand Hendrik Petrus “Akker” van der Merwe was born on June 17, 1991, making him one of the more experienced players in professional rugby today. Although born in Vanderbijlpark, Van der Merwe grew up in George, where he played rugby for Outeniqua High School. His rugby talent was evident early, as he won inclusion in the SWD Eagles Under-16 side for the 2007 Grant Khomo Week and their Under-18 side for the 2008 Academy Week and 2009 Craven Week competitions.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Standing at 1.78 meters tall (5 ft 10 in) and weighing 108 kg (238 lbs), van der Merwe possesses the ideal physical attributes for a modern hooker. Known for his dynamic playing style, he earned the nickname “The Raging Waterhog” during his time with the Sharks, reflecting his aggressive and energetic approach to the game.
Career Journey and Team History
Van der Merwe’s professional career has been marked by significant moves across different competitions and continents. In 2010, he moved to Potchefstroom where he represented the Leopards and university side NWU Pukke. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he was a surprise inclusion in the Lions touring squad for their Australian leg of the 2014 Super Rugby season.
Lions Era and Super Rugby Success
Van der Merwe made his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton and scored his first try for the Lions in their next match against the Highlanders in Dunedin. His time with the Lions proved highly successful, as he scored 5 tries during the 2016 Super Rugby Season as the Lions reached their first ever Super Rugby final. The Lions’ remarkable journey continued the following year, with van der Merwe again coming off the bench in the 2017 final, which saw the Lions defeated by the Crusaders.
International Opportunities
During his Lions tenure, van der Merwe gained international recognition. In November 2016 he was named in the Barbarians squad that faced Argentina, Fiji and his home nation, South Africa. He also had a brief stint in France, where he joined Racing 92 on a short-term deal for the start of their 2015–16 Top 14 season, playing two games in total against Grenoble and Oyonnax.
Sharks and Springbok Recognition
Prior to the start of the 2018 Super Rugby Season he moved to the Durban-based Sharks franchise on a two-year contract. His impact was immediate, as “The Raging Waterhog” made a real impact in his debut season with the Sharks and earned his first call up to the Springbok for the 2018 June Internationals. He made his Test debut back in 2018 against Wales when Rassie Erasmus took the reigns, appearing in a 20-22 defeat in Washington DC, and went on to play two further Tests in a victorious series against England – with all three of his Test appearances coming off the bench.
European Adventure with Sale Sharks
In February 2019, Sale Sharks confirmed the lively hooker would join the Premiership club on a three-year deal following the conclusion of the 2019 Super Rugby season. However, Sale Sharks announced in June 2023 that he had agreed early release from his contract and would be leaving the club with immediate effect and return to South Africa.
Current Team: Bulls
In July 2023 the Bulls confirmed he had agreed a three-year contract until 2026. Van der Merwe’s return to South African rugby has been successful, with the experienced hooker bringing valuable leadership and experience to the Bulls squad in the United Rugby Championship.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Van der Merwe has made 95 Super Rugby appearances throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable consistency and longevity in one of rugby’s most demanding competitions. His career highlights include reaching two Super Rugby finals with the Lions and representing South Africa at the highest level.
Family Connections
Van der Merwe comes from a rugby family, with his younger brother Duhan van der Merwe being a Scotland international and British and Irish Lions winger. This family connection adds an interesting dynamic to South African rugby, with both brothers having made significant impacts in professional rugby.
Current Ambitions and Future Prospects
Despite being 33 years old, van der Merwe still harbors Springbok ambitions and feels he can add value to the national team. “I didn’t come back to South Africa to go through the motions, I still want to play for the Springboks,” Van der Merwe has stated, showing his continued dedication to representing his country at the highest level.
Van der Merwe’s career exemplifies the modern rugby professional’s journey, spanning multiple countries and competitions while maintaining the highest standards of performance. His experience, leadership qualities, and technical skills continue to make him a valuable asset for the Bulls and a potential candidate for future Springbok selection. With his contract running until 2026, fans can expect to see more of this dynamic hooker’s contributions to South African rugby in the coming seasons.
