Springbok hooker Akker van der Merwe could reportedly make a return to South Africa from England.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Van der Merwe is being lined up by his former team the Lions in a bid to strengthen their depth at hooker while also boost his chances of a Bok recall.
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The 31-year-old, who left the Lions for the Sharks in 2017 before signing with English Premiership club the Sale Sharks two years later, played the last of his three Tests for the Boks in 2018.
It is believed that Van der Merwe, along with Cheetahs loose forward Jeandre Rudolph and Saracens scrumhalf Ruben de Haas, are key potential acquisitions earmarked by the Lions as they look to improve on a disappointing 2022-23 campaign next season.
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