Bulls prop set for second French stint

The Vodacom Bulls have confirmed that experienced tighthead prop Marcel van der Merwe will be joining French side La Rochelle on a short-term loan.

The seven-capped Springbok only rejoined the Bulls last year, but his lukewarm form has had him struggling for regular game time in Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup.

However, the Bulls will hope that a stint with La Rochelle will help him find his mojo again. The French side is currently in a title race with league leaders and defending champions Toulouse, whom they trail by just three points. La Rochelle are also in the Champions Cup semi-finals, where they will meet PRO14 title-holders Leinster.

It will be Van der Merwe’s second stint in France, after he played over 100 times for Top 14 giants Toulon.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images

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