The 1.99m, 118kg lock set aside a few minutes of his time to speak to bluebulls.co.za

What motivated you to join the Bulls?

The Blue Bulls are playing winning rugby and I want to be part of their winning culture.

Till when are you contracted?

The end of 2010.

What are your goals for 2009?

I would like to make a name for myself in the Currie Cup and I want to help the Blue Bulls to win the trophy.

What are your strengths?

I am a physical player and I do not mind to do the hard work. I love carrying the ball and I think I’ve got the ability to motivate my team mates. I would like to play the way Bakkies Botha plays.

Tell us about your early days?

I was born on June, 3 1985 in Potchefstroom but we moved to Kimberley where I attended Laerskool Staatspresident Swart.

What high school did you go to?

I enrolled at Grey College (Bloemfontein) in st 6 where I played for five years with guys like Deon Stegmann, Heinrich Brüssow and Andries Strauss.

Do you think it is an advantage if a rugby player attended Grey College?

Yes, definitely. The coaching at Grey is superb and you get to play against a number of our country’s best schools. The teachers are outstanding and being part of the tradition is an unbelievable experience.

Do you come for a rugby family?

My father, Flippie van der Merwe, played tighthead prop for the Springboks from 1981-1989 and he also represented the WP, Griquas and Western Transvaal. My brother, Francois, also played for the WP and he is currently in Paris, France where he plays for Metro Racing.

What did you do after school?

I studied B.Com Financial Management at Kovsies and played for the Cheetahs since 2004.

Tell us about your career at the Cheetahs?

In 2004 I played Vodacom Cup rugby for the first time and in 2006 I made my Currie Cup debut. Since 2007 I have played in more than ten Super 14 matches for the Cheetahs.

What other positions can you play?

I am a specialist number 4 lock but if I had to I will be able to play number 5 as well, but I prefer 4.

How are you settling in in Pretoria?

Life is great in Pretoria. Everybody tries to accommodate me and the Bulls surely helped me settling in.

What are your interests outside rugby?

I love the outdoors – hunting and fishing are my favourite hobbies.

What advice will you give to kids who would like to be professional rugby player?

One should never stop dreaming. I am a firm believer that you can achieve whatever you dream, but then you must be willing to put in the hard yards.



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