RUGBY's international eligibility rules are about to change but it appears Edinburgh's latest signing could still qualify to play for Scotland if he impresses during his time in the capital.
Duhan van der Merwe, a 21-year-old South African winger, has been snapped up on a two-year deal by Richard Cockerill, the incoming head coach, after coming to the end of his academy contract at Montpellier – where he had made enough of an impression to force his way into the senior team with tries in each of the three appearances he has made.
The new residency rules will not take effect before the start of next year – anybody who has not qualified under the current three-year regulation by December 31, 2020 will have to wait five years to change country – and though van der Merwe has played for South Africa Under-20s, neither of his two caps were in matches that would have tied him to the country.
It is, however, far too early to say that van der Merwe is a "project player" and nobody is going to label him as the next big thing until they have had a chance to assess him. He has played a mere five professional games – two for the Bulls in South Africa before leaving for France and three for his current club.
For all that, the indications are promising. At 6ft 3ins and a bit short of 17 stone, he brings plenty of power and the reports from his time in France and his junior career suggest he has a poacher's eye for the try line.
"I’m very excited," he said. "It’s clear the club has strong ambitions and I would very much like to play a part in that success. I’ve heard great things about the city and the people. My dealings with the club have already been very positive and I have been made to feel very welcome ahead of my arrival."
Van der Merwe was in the perfect position to impress Cockerill, who is still in charge at Toulon, along the Mediterranean coast and when he did break into the Montpellier team – including a crucial try in their last match against Stade Francais.
“Duhan is a talented young player and has the potential to become a real attacking threat in our backline," was Cockerill's verdict. “He’s taken his chances at Montpellier in recent weeks so I’m looking forward to seeing him progress even further at Edinburgh.”
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