Springbok hooker Akker van der Merwe has reportedly signed with the Vodacom Bulls following his release from his contract with English Premiership club Sale Sharks.
Although the Bulls have not officially announced his signing, an official told Agence France-Presse that Van der Merwe is joining the franchise after former Bok hooker Bismarck du Plessis retired this month.
Van der Merwe, who in a statement on Friday cited personal reasons for his Sale exit, will compete for the No 2 jersey with Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels at the Pretoria outfit.
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The 32-year-old forward will become the latest signing by the Bulls, after director of rugby Jake White just this week strengthened their squad with up to five new recruits in the hope of competing for trophies in 2023-24.
Previous reports have linked Van der Merwe with a return to his former team, the Lions, in a bid to strengthen their depth at hooker while also boost his chances of a Bok recall.