Franco van der Merwe extends Ulster Rugby contract
Wednesday 27 January 2016 11:53, UK
Ulster Rugby lock Franco van der Merwe has signed a one-year extension to his contract at Kingspan Stadium.
Prior to joining Ulster at the beginning of last season, the 32-year-old, who has signed until the summer of 2017, played in Super Rugby for the Lions and the Sharks, and earned his solitary Springboks cap in the 2013 Rugby Championship, against New Zealand.
Since arriving in Belfast, the 120kg lock has played a central role for Ulster, registering three tries in his 42 appearances. He started 26 of Ulster's 30 games last season in the Guinness PRO12 and European Rugby Champions Cup and has started 15 of 17 games this season.
Regarded as one of the squad's leaders, Van der Merwe stepped in to captain the side on occasions last season in the absence of regular skipper Rory Best.
Commenting on his new deal, Van der Merwe said: "I'm really pleased to sign on for another year with Ulster. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and it was an easy decision for me and my family to take.
"We have felt very welcome from the moment we arrived and that is down to everyone involved in Ulster Rugby, the players, the management team and the supporters.
"This season has been a bit of a transition with Les (Kiss) coming in, but I'm really excited to be part of the squad's growth over the next 18 months. The challenge for us is to keep improving and pushing to achieve silverware, and I'm confident that we'll continue to develop our game under Les and the other coaches.
"I have tried to bring some of my experience to the group and help some of the younger players. It's been encouraging for me to see some young forwards come through and make their mark in Europe and in the PRO12, which augers well for a successful Ulster team in the future."
Les Kiss, Ulster's director of rugby, welcomed the news of Van der Merwe's deal, saying: "To have Franco stay for another season is a fantastic boost for Ulster.
"His professional approach and the standards that he sets have been integral to the development of the young players coming through, such as Kyle McCall, Alan O'Connor, John Donnan and Stephen Mulholland.
"He is also an excellent club man, who contributes in such a positive way to the environment we are creating here. His durability is outstanding and his lineout expertise speaks for itself.
"Along with new signings Kieran Treadwell and Rodney Ah You, he will play an important role as we build and strengthen our forward pack for next season."
