Akker van der Merwe is set to return to South Africa after the Springbok hooker was granted an early release from his contract with English Premiership club Sale Sharks.
He made 70 appearances for Sale and scored 31 tries after joining the Manchester outfit in 2019, yet has cited personal reasons for his exit.
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.
The 32-year-old, who left the Lions for the Sharks in Durban in 2017 before heading to the UK two years later, played the last of his three Tests for the Boks in 2018.
It is believed that Van der Merwe is a key potential acquisition earmarked by the Lions as they look to improve on a disappointing 2022-23 campaign next season.
“I’ve absolutely loved every second of my time at Sale Sharks and I’m really going to miss the club and the people,” Van der Merwe said in a club statement.
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𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗔𝗞𝗞𝗘𝗥 🙏
It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to one of the most exciting hookers to ever do it in a Sharks shirt.😢
Akker will leave the club with immediate effect to move back home for personal reasons. 💙
Thanks for the memories Boetie! 🐗
— Sale Sharks 🦈 (@SaleSharksRugby) June 30, 2023
“When I came to Manchester, I thought it would be a great move for my rugby career, and I do think I’ve played my best rugby at Sale. But I have learned and grown so much as a person too.
“When I first arrived I was quite quiet but I soon realised that this was a club where I could really be myself. I’ve never experienced an environment where everyone is encouraged to express themselves and be as open as possible.
“This group of players, the coaches, and staff make it such a special place to play. The fans have been amazing in their support for me and the team so I want to say thank you to them for everything.”
Director of rugby Alex Sanderson added: “Akker has played some of his best rugby here and we feel he’s become one of the world’s best, most physical hookers.
“He brings infectious energy to everything he does and you can hear him through the walls around the training ground. He has done so much to help and support our young front-row players too.
“We’re gutted to be losing him because he’s been instrumental in everything we have done since I’ve been here. But he goes with our blessing because he’s leaving for the right reasons. Everyone at the club is really going to miss him, but we wish him all the best.”
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images