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{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox rugby union biography
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Akker van der Merwe
| name = Akker van der Merwe
| image =
| image =
Line 8: Line 8:
| birth_place = [[Vanderbijlpark]], South Africa
| birth_place = [[Vanderbijlpark]], South Africa
| height = {{height|m=1.78}}
| height = {{height|m=1.78}}
| weight = {{convert|108|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{cvt|108|kg|lb stlb}}
| occupation =
| occupation =
| school = [[Outeniqua High School]], [[George, Western Cape|George]]
| school = [[Hoërskool Outeniqua]]
| university = [[North-West University]]
| university = [[North-West University]]
| relatives =
| relatives =
| position = [[Hooker (rugby union)|Hooker]]
| position = [[Hooker (rugby union)|Hooker]]
| currentclub = {{Rut Lions}} / {{Rut Golden Lions XV}}
| currentclub = {{Rut|Blue Bulls}}
| youthyears1 = 2007–2009
| youthyears1 = 2007–2009
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut SWD Eagles}}
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut|SWD Eagles}}
| youthyears2 = 2010
| youthyears2 = 2010
| youthclubs2 = {{Rut Leopards U19}}
| youthclubs2 = {{Rut|Leopards U19}}
| youthyears3 = 2012
| youthyears3 = 2012
| youthclubs3 = {{Rut Leopards U21}}
| youthclubs3 = {{Rut|Leopards U21}}
| years1 = 2013
| years1 = 2013
| clubs1 = {{Rut Leopards XV}}
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Leopards XV}}
| apps1 = 6
| apps1 = 6
| points1 = 10
| points1 = 10
| years2 = 2013–2014
| years2 = 2013–2014
| clubs2 = {{Rut Leopards}}
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| apps2 = 11
| apps2 = 11
| points2 = 0
| points2 = 0
| years3 = 2014–present
| years3 = 2014–2017
| clubs3 = {{Rut Lions}}
| clubs3 = {{Rut|Lions}}
| apps3 = 39
| apps3 = 50
| points3 = 30
| points3 = 35
| years4 = 2014–present
| years4 = 2014–2016
| clubs4 = {{Rut Golden Lions}}
| clubs4 = {{Rut|Golden Lions}}
| apps4 = 18
| apps4 = 18
| points4 = 25
| points4 = 25
| years5 = 2015
| years5 = 2015
| clubs5 = → {{Rut Racing 92}}
| clubs5 = → {{Rut|Racing 92}}
| apps5 = 2
| apps5 = 2
| points5 = 0
| points5 = 0
| years6 = 2017
| clubs6 = {{Rut|Golden Lions XV}}
| apps6 = 3
| points6 = 15
| years7 = 2017–2018
| clubs7 = {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)|CC=y}}
| apps7 = 15
| points7 = 10
| years8 = 2018–2019
| clubs8 = {{Rut|Sharks}}
| apps8 = 23
| points8 = 30
| years9 = 2019–2023
| clubs9 = {{Rut|Sale Sharks}}
| apps9 = 70
| points9 = 155
| years10 = 2023–
| clubs10 = {{Rut|Bulls}}
| apps10 = 7
| points10 = 30
| amatyears1 = 2013
| amatyears1 = 2013
| amatteam1 = {{Rut NWU Pukke}}
| amatteam1 = {{Rut|NWU Pukke}}
| amatcaps1 = 10
| amatapps1 = 10
| amatpoints1 = 15
| amatpoints1 = 15
| repyears1 = 2016
| repyears1 = 2016–2017
| repteam1 = [[Barbarians F.C.|Barbarians]]
| repteam1 = [[Barbarians F.C.|Barbarians]]
| repcaps1 = 1
| repcaps1 = 4
| reppoints1 = 0
| reppoints1 = 10
| clubupdate = 25 October 2016
| repyears2 = 2018
| repupdate = 8 November 2016
| repteam2 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repcaps2 = 3
| reppoints2 = 0
| clubupdate = 06 December 2023
| repupdate = 16 June 2018
}}
}}

'''Armand Hendrik Petrus 'Akker' van der Merwe''' (born {{birth date|df=yes|1991|06|17}} in [[Vanderbijlpark]]) is a South African [[rugby union]] player, currently playing for [[Super Rugby]] side the {{Rut Lions}} and [[Currie Cup]] side {{Rut Golden Lions XV}}.<ref name="SARU Player Profile Akker van der Merwe">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=43252 | name=Akker van der Merwe | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> His regular position is hooker.
'''Armand H P''' "'''Akker'''" '''van der Merwe''' (born 17 June 1991) is a South African <ref name="SARU Player Profile Akker van der Merwe">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=43252 | name=Akker van der Merwe | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> professional [[rugby union]] player for South African [[United Rugby Championship]] side [[Bulls (rugby union)|Bulls]].<ref name="bullsrugby.co.za">{{Cite web |date=2023-07-04 |title=AKKER VAN DER MERWE SIGNS FOR VODACOM BULLS |language=en-GB |url=https://bullsrugby.co.za/akker-van-der-merwe-signs-for-vodacom-bulls/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Bulls Rugby}}</ref> His regular position is hooker.


==Career==
==Career==
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===Youth===
===Youth===


Although born in [[Vanderbijlpark]], Van der Merwe grew up in [[George, Western Cape|George]], where he played rugby for [[Outeniqua High School]] to win inclusion in the {{Rut SWD Eagles}} Under-16 side for the 2007 Grant Khomo Week<ref name="SWD-keurders kies vir Cravenweek">{{cite web|url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2007/05/28/JB/18/georgerugby.html |title=SWD-keurders kies vir Cravenweek |work=Die Burger |date=28 May 2008 |accessdate=25 April 2014 |language=Afrikaans |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426202037/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2007/05/28/JB/18/georgerugby.html |archivedate=26 April 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> and their Under-18 side for the 2008 Academy Week and 2009 [[Craven Week]] competitions.<ref name="Eagles set to take to the air">{{cite web | url=http://www.psl.co.za/article.asp?id=303546 | title=Eagles set to take to the air | publisher=Premier Soccer League | date=10 June 2009 | accessdate=25 April 2014}}</ref>
Although born in [[Vanderbijlpark]], Van der Merwe grew up in [[George, Western Cape|George]], where he played rugby for [[Outeniqua High School]] to win inclusion in the {{Rut|SWD Eagles}} Under-16 side for the 2007 Grant Khomo Week<ref name="SWD-keurders kies vir Cravenweek">{{cite web|url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2007/05/28/JB/18/georgerugby.html |title=SWD-keurders kies vir Cravenweek |work=Die Burger |date=28 May 2008 |access-date=25 April 2014 |language=af |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426202037/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/2007/05/28/JB/18/georgerugby.html |archive-date=26 April 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> and their Under-18 side for the 2008 Academy Week and 2009 [[Craven Week]] competitions.<ref name="Eagles set to take to the air">{{cite web | url=http://www.psl.co.za/article.asp?id=303546 | title=Eagles set to take to the air | publisher=Premier Soccer League | date=10 June 2009 | access-date=25 April 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426202210/http://www.psl.co.za/article.asp?id=303546 | archive-date=26 April 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2010, he moved to [[Potchefstroom]] where he represented the {{Rut Leopards}} and university side {{Rut NWU Pukke}}. He was a regular for the {{Rut Leopards U19}} side during the [[2010 Under-19 Provincial Championship]] competition, making thirteen appearances and in 2012, he made twelve appearances for the {{Rut Leopards U21}} side in the [[2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship]], scoring six tries.
In 2010, he moved to [[Potchefstroom]] where he represented the {{Rut|Leopards}} and university side {{Rut|NWU Pukke}}. He was a regular for the {{Rut|Leopards U19}} side during the [[2010 Under-19 Provincial Championship]] competition, making thirteen appearances and in 2012, he made twelve appearances for the {{Rut|Leopards U21}} side in the [[2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship]], scoring six tries.


He played [[Varsity Cup]] rugby for the {{Rut NWU Pukke}} in [[2013 Varsity Cup|2013]] and [[2014 Varsity Cup|2014]]. He made eight appearances and scored three tries in the 2014 competition, helping his side to the final, where they lost 39–33 to the {{Rut UCT Ikey Tigers}}, with Van der Merwe scoring a try early in the second half.<ref name="FNB NWU-PUKKE 33-39 FNB UCT 1ST XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=117324 | homeid=17224 | awayid=17214 | leagueid=1694 | hometeam=FNB NWU-PUKKE | homescore=33 | awayscore=39 | awayteam=FNB UCT 1ST XV | matchdate=7 April 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>
He played [[Varsity Cup]] rugby for the {{Rut|NWU Pukke}} in [[2013 Varsity Cup|2013]] and [[2014 Varsity Cup|2014]]. He made eight appearances and scored three tries in the 2014 competition, helping his side to the final, where they lost 39–33 to the {{Rut|UCT Ikey Tigers}}, with Van der Merwe scoring a try early in the second half.<ref name="FNB NWU-PUKKE 33-39 FNB UCT 1ST XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=117324 | homeid=17224 | awayid=17214 | leagueid=1694 | hometeam=FNB NWU-PUKKE | homescore=33 | awayscore=39 | awayteam=FNB UCT 1ST XV | matchdate=7 April 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>


===Leopards===
===Leopards===


His senior debut came in 2013, when he was included in the senior {{Rut Leopards XV}} side for the [[2013 Vodacom Cup]] competition.<ref name="SA Rugby Squad – Leopards XV : 2013 Vodacom Cup">{{SA Rugby Squad | teamid=11674 | team=Leopards XV | compid=1164 | comp=2013 Vodacom Cup | accessdate=3 June 2016}}</ref> He made his debut against the {{Rut Golden Lions}} in [[Johannesburg]],<ref name="MTN Golden Lions 45-15 Leopards XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=103744 | homeid=11684 | awayid=11674 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=MTN Golden Lions | homescore=45 | awayscore=15 | awayteam=Leopards XV | matchdate=9 March 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> coming on as an early substitute. He also marked the occasion by scoring a try in injury time at the end of the match. Two more starts and three more substitute appearances (and one more try) followed during that competition.
His senior debut came in 2013, when he was included in the senior {{Rut|Leopards XV}} side for the [[2013 Vodacom Cup]] competition.<ref name="SA Rugby Squad – Leopards XV : 2013 Vodacom Cup">{{SA Rugby Squad | teamid=11674 | team=Leopards XV | compid=1164 | comp=2013 Vodacom Cup | accessdate=3 June 2016}}</ref> He made his debut against the {{Rut|Golden Lions}} in [[Johannesburg]],<ref name="MTN Golden Lions 45-15 Leopards XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=103744 | homeid=11684 | awayid=11674 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=MTN Golden Lions | homescore=45 | awayscore=15 | awayteam=Leopards XV | matchdate=9 March 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> coming on as an early substitute. He also marked the occasion by scoring a try in injury time at the end of the match. Two more starts and three more substitute appearances (and one more try) followed during that competition.


His [[Currie Cup]] debut came in July 2013. He came on as a substitute on the hour mark at [[Olën Park]] in their [[2013 Currie Cup First Division]] match against the eventual champions, the {{Rut Pumas}}.<ref name="Leopards 27-35 Steval Pumas">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106474 | homeid=12714 | awayid=12694 | leagueid=1304 | hometeam=Leopards | homescore=27 | awayscore=35 | awayteam=Steval Pumas | matchdate=19 July 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> While mainly being used as a substitute during the campaign (playing off the bench on eight occasions), he did one start in the competition against the {{Rut Boland Cavaliers}}.<ref name="Leopards 22-17 Regent Boland Cavaliers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106654 | homeid=12714 | awayid=12724 | leagueid=1304 | hometeam=Leopards | homescore=22 | awayscore=17 | awayteam=Regent Boland Cavaliers | matchdate=17 August 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>
His [[Currie Cup]] debut came in July 2013. He came on as a substitute on the hour mark at [[Olën Park]] in their [[2013 Currie Cup First Division]] match against the eventual champions, the {{Rut|Pumas}}.<ref name="Leopards 27-35 Steval Pumas">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106474 | homeid=12714 | awayid=12694 | leagueid=1304 | hometeam=Leopards | homescore=27 | awayscore=35 | awayteam=Steval Pumas | matchdate=19 July 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> While mainly being used as a substitute during the campaign (playing off the bench on eight occasions), he did one start in the competition against the {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}.<ref name="Leopards 22-17 Regent Boland Cavaliers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=106654 | homeid=12714 | awayid=12724 | leagueid=1304 | hometeam=Leopards | homescore=22 | awayscore=17 | awayteam=Regent Boland Cavaliers | matchdate=17 August 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>


He made a further two appearances for the Leopards during the [[2014 Currie Cup qualification]] tournament.
He made a further two appearances for the Leopards during the [[2014 Currie Cup qualification]] tournament.
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===Lions===
===Lions===


In April 2014, Van der Merwe was a surprise inclusion in the {{Rut Lions}} touring squad for their Australian leg of the [[2014 Super Rugby season]].<ref name="Vodacom Super Rugby Touring Squad Named">{{cite press release|url=http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1113&archive=0 |title=Vodacom Super Rugby Touring Squad Named |publisher=Lions |date=24 April 2014 |accessdate=25 April 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232619/http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1113&archive=0 |archivedate=26 April 2014 }}</ref> He made his [[Super Rugby]] debut against the {{Rut Chiefs}} in [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]<ref name="Chiefs 38-8 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114374 | homeid=16204 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Chiefs | homescore=38 | awayscore=8 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=3 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> and scored his first try for the Lions in their next match against the {{Rut Highlanders}} in [[Dunedin]].<ref name="Highlanders 23-22 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114434 | homeid=16214 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Highlanders | homescore=23 | awayscore=22 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=10 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> After one more match that he played off the bench (against the {{Rut Waratahs}} in Sydney),<ref name="Waratahs 41-13 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114534 | homeid=16264 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Waratahs | homescore=41 | awayscore=13 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=18 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> he made his first Super Rugby start in their final tour match against the {{Rut Force}} in [[Perth]].<ref name="Force 29-19 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114584 | homeid=16274 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Force | homescore=29 | awayscore=19 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=24 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>
In April 2014, Van der Merwe was a surprise inclusion in the {{Rut|Lions}} touring squad for their Australian leg of the [[2014 Super Rugby season]].<ref name="Vodacom Super Rugby Touring Squad Named">{{cite press release|url=http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1113&archive=0 |title=Vodacom Super Rugby Touring Squad Named |publisher=Lions |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=25 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426232619/http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1113&archive=0 |archive-date=26 April 2014 }}</ref> He made his [[Super Rugby]] debut against the {{Rut|Chiefs}} in [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]<ref name="Chiefs 38-8 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114374 | homeid=16204 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Chiefs | homescore=38 | awayscore=8 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=3 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> and scored his first try for the Lions in their next match against the {{Rut|Highlanders}} in [[Dunedin]].<ref name="Highlanders 23-22 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114434 | homeid=16214 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Highlanders | homescore=23 | awayscore=22 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=10 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> After one more match that he played off the bench (against the {{Rut|Waratahs}} in Sydney),<ref name="Waratahs 41-13 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114534 | homeid=16264 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Waratahs | homescore=41 | awayscore=13 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=18 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> he made his first Super Rugby start in their final tour match against the {{Rut|Force}} in [[Perth]].<ref name="Force 29-19 Lions">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=114584 | homeid=16274 | awayid=16154 | leagueid=1574 | hometeam=Force | homescore=29 | awayscore=19 | awayteam=Lions | matchdate=24 May 2014 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>


⚫
His performances for the {{Rut|Lions}} in [[Super Rugby]] also led to a domestic move, with Van der Merwe joining the {{Rut|Golden Lions}} on a deal for the [[2014 Currie Cup Premier Division]] competition.<ref name="(H)Akker van der Merwe word 'n Leeu">{{cite web |date=7 July 2014 |title=(H)Akker van der Merwe word 'n Leeu |url=http://www.suparugby.com/pages/Default.asp?More=(H)Akker%20van%20der%20Merwe%20word%20%E2%80%99n%20Leeu%20-%207%20Julie%202014&FeatureID=22549&SectionID=21 |access-date=7 July 2014 |publisher=SupaRugby |language=af}}</ref>
⚫
On 4 April 2015, he scored a last-minute winning in their [[2015 Super Rugby season]] match against the {{Rut Bulls}} to help the Lions win the match 22–18 against their trans-[[Jukskei River|Jukskei]] rivals.<ref name="Emirates Lions 22-18 Vodacom Bulls">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=136184 | homeid=23264 | awayid=23254 | leagueid=2174 | hometeam=Emirates Lions | homescore=22 | awayscore=18 | awayteam=Vodacom Bulls | matchdate=4 April 2015 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>


⚫
On 4 April 2015, he scored a last-minute winning in their [[2015 Super Rugby season]] match against the {{Rut|Bulls}} to help the Lions win the match 22–18 against their trans-[[Jukskei River|Jukskei]] rivals.<ref name="Emirates Lions 22-18 Vodacom Bulls">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=136184 | homeid=23264 | awayid=23254 | leagueid=2174 | hometeam=Emirates Lions | homescore=22 | awayscore=18 | awayteam=Vodacom Bulls | matchdate=4 April 2015 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> He made 15 total appearances for the club during this season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Akker VAN DER MERWE profile and stats |url=https://all.rugby/player/armand--van-der-merwe |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=all.rugby |language=en}}</ref>
===Golden Lions===


⚫
He joined {{Rut|Racing 92}} on a short-term deal for the start of their [[2015–16 Top 14 season]].<ref name="Lions Rugby contracting update">{{cite press release |url=http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1362&archive=0 |title=Lions Rugby contracting update |publisher=Lions |date=1 July 2015 |access-date=1 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706050557/http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1362&archive=0 |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He played two games in total for Racing, against [[FC Grenoble|Grenoble]] and [[Oyonnax Rugby|Oyonnax]]. Van der Merwe then returned to the Lions for the start of the [[2016 Super Rugby season|2016 Super Rugby Season]], scoring 5 tries during the course of the season as the Lions reached their first ever [[2016 Super Rugby final|Super Rugby final]]. He came off the bench in the Lions loss to the [[Hurricanes (rugby union)|Hurricanes]].
⚫
His performances for the {{Rut Lions}} in [[Super Rugby]] also led to a domestic move, with Van der Merwe joining the {{Rut Golden Lions}} on a deal for the [[2014 Currie Cup Premier Division]] competition.<ref name="(H)Akker van der Merwe word 'n Leeu">{{cite web | url=http://www.suparugby.com/pages/Default.asp?More=(H)Akker%20van%20der%20Merwe%20word%20%E2%80%99n%20Leeu%20-%207%20Julie%202014&FeatureID=22549&SectionID=21 | title=(H)Akker van der Merwe word 'n Leeu | publisher=SupaRugby | date=7 July 2014 | accessdate=7 July 2014 | language=Afrikaans}}</ref>


At the conclusion of the [[2017 Super Rugby season|2017 Super Rugby Season]] Van der Merwe again came off the bench in the final, which saw the Lions defeated by the [[Crusaders (rugby union)|Crusaders]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=nicholaszaal |date=2017-08-05 |title=Mistakes cost the Lions their first Super Rugby trophy |url=https://randburgsun.co.za/326891/mistakes-cost-lions-first-super-rugby-trophy/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Randburg Sun |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Racing 92===


===Sharks===
⚫
He joined {{Rut Racing 92}} on a short-term deal for the start of their [[2015–16 Top 14 season]].<ref name="Lions Rugby contracting update">{{cite press release|url=http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1362&archive=0 |title=Lions Rugby contracting update |publisher=Lions |date=1 July 2015 |accessdate=1 July 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706050557/http://www.lionsrugby.co.za/lionsnews.aspx?item=4128&multiid=1362&archive=0 |archivedate=6 July 2015 }}</ref>
Prior to the start of the [[2018 Super Rugby season|2018 Super Rugby Season]] he moved to the [[Durban]]-based [[Sharks (rugby union)|Sharks]] franchise on a two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-07 |title=Akker van der Merwe signs with Sharks |url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/akker-van-der-merwe-signs-with-sharks/597496 |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.ultimaterugby.com |language=en}}</ref> In his inaugural season he made 15 appearances and scored 2 tries. Van der Merwe started at hooker as the Sharks fell to the Crusaders at the quarter-finals stage of the competition. He also scored a try in the [[2018 Currie Cup Premier Division|2018 Currie Cup final]], which saw the Sharks win their first Currie Cup title for 5 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=SAPeople |date=2018-10-27 |title=Sharks Crowned Currie Cup Champions With Historic Victory |url=https://www.sapeople.com/2018/10/27/sharks-crowned-currie-cup-champions-with-historic-victory-in-massive-game/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=SAPeople - Worldwide South African News |language=en-ZA}}</ref>

He made only 8 appearances for the Sharks during the [[2019 Super Rugby season|2019 Super Rugby Season]]. The most notable event of the season came during a Sharks home game against the [[Bulls (rugby union)|Bulls]], which saw Van der Merwe sent off following an altercation with [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springbok]] hooker [[Schalk Brits]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schalk Brits and Akker van Der Merwe red carded for old school punch up {{!}} Rugbydump |url=https://www.rugbydump.com/news/schalk-brits-and-armand-van-der-merwe-red-carded-for-old-school-punch-up/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=www.rugbydump.com |language=en}}</ref> He received a three-week playing ban following the incident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-01 |title=Akker van der Merwe gets slap on wrist |url=https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/van-der-merwe-cops-three-week-ban/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=SA Rugby magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Sale Sharks ===
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Sharks, Van der Merwe joined [[Premiership Rugby]] side [[Sale Sharks]] on a three-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sale sign South African duo until 2022 |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/47359822 |access-date=2023-06-30}}</ref> Sale Sharks announced in June 2023 that he had agreed early release from his contract and would be leaving the club with immediate effect and return to South Africa.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.salesharks.com/2023/06/30/springbok-akker-to-leave-sharks/ | title=Springbok Akker to leave Sharks | date=30 June 2023 }}</ref>

=== Bulls ===
In July 2023 the [[Bulls (rugby union)|Bulls]] confirmed he had agreed a three-year contract until 2026.<ref name="bullsrugby.co.za"/>

==Honours==
* Super Rugby '''runner-up''': [[2016 Super Rugby season|2016]], [[2017 Super Rugby season|2017]]
* Currie Cup '''champion''': [[2018 Currie Cup Premier Division|2018]]
* Premiership Rugby Cup '''champion''': [[2019–20 Premiership Rugby Cup|2019-20]]
* Named in the [[2023–24 United Rugby Championship|2023–24]] United Rugby Championship Elite XV team


==Personal==
==Personal==


He is the older brother of [[Winger (rugby union)|winger]] [[Duhan van der Merwe]], who also played [[Craven Week]] rugby for {{Rut SWD Eagles}} and were included in the South African Schools sides in 2012 and 2013.
He is the older brother of Scotland international and British and Irish Lions [[Winger (rugby union)|winger]] [[Duhan van der Merwe]], who also played [[Craven Week]] rugby for {{Rut|SWD Eagles}} and was included in the South African Schools sides in 2012 and 2013.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{reflist}}


{{Lions squad}}
{{Bulls squad}}
{{Golden Lions squad}}
<!--{{Golden Lions XV squad}}-->
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Latest revision as of 13:59, 29 August 2024

Akker van der Merwe
Full nameArmand H P van der Merwe[1]
Date of birth (1991-06-17) 17 June 1991 (age 33)
Place of birthVanderbijlpark, South Africa
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight108 kg (238 lb; 17 st 0 lb)
SchoolHoërskool Outeniqua
UniversityNorth-West University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Current team Blue Bulls
Youth career
2007–2009 SWD Eagles
2010 Leopards U19
2012 Leopards U21
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 NWU Pukke 10 (15)
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Leopards XV 6 (10)
2013–2014 Leopards 11 (0)
2014–2017 Lions 50 (35)
2014–2016 Golden Lions 18 (25)
2015 → Racing 92 2 (0)
2017 Golden Lions XV 3 (15)
2017–2018 Sharks (Currie Cup) 15 (10)
2018–2019 Sharks 23 (30)
2019–2023 Sale Sharks 70 (155)
2023– Bulls 7 (30)
Correct as of 06 December 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016–2017 Barbarians 4 (10)
2018 South Africa 3 (0)
Correct as of 16 June 2018

Armand H P "Akker" van der Merwe (born 17 June 1991) is a South African [1] professional rugby union player for South African United Rugby Championship side Bulls.[2] His regular position is hooker.

Career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]

Although born in Vanderbijlpark, Van der Merwe grew up in George, where he played rugby for Outeniqua High School to win inclusion in the SWD Eagles Under-16 side for the 2007 Grant Khomo Week[3] and their Under-18 side for the 2008 Academy Week and 2009 Craven Week competitions.[4]

In 2010, he moved to Potchefstroom where he represented the Leopards and university side NWU Pukke. He was a regular for the Leopards U19 side during the 2010 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition, making thirteen appearances and in 2012, he made twelve appearances for the Leopards U21 side in the 2012 Under-21 Provincial Championship, scoring six tries.

He played Varsity Cup rugby for the NWU Pukke in 2013 and 2014. He made eight appearances and scored three tries in the 2014 competition, helping his side to the final, where they lost 39–33 to the UCT Ikey Tigers, with Van der Merwe scoring a try early in the second half.[5]

Leopards

[edit]

His senior debut came in 2013, when he was included in the senior Leopards XV side for the 2013 Vodacom Cup competition.[6] He made his debut against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg,[7] coming on as an early substitute. He also marked the occasion by scoring a try in injury time at the end of the match. Two more starts and three more substitute appearances (and one more try) followed during that competition.

His Currie Cup debut came in July 2013. He came on as a substitute on the hour mark at Olën Park in their 2013 Currie Cup First Division match against the eventual champions, the Pumas.[8] While mainly being used as a substitute during the campaign (playing off the bench on eight occasions), he did one start in the competition against the Boland Cavaliers.[9]

He made a further two appearances for the Leopards during the 2014 Currie Cup qualification tournament.

Lions

[edit]

In April 2014, Van der Merwe was a surprise inclusion in the Lions touring squad for their Australian leg of the 2014 Super Rugby season.[10] He made his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton[11] and scored his first try for the Lions in their next match against the Highlanders in Dunedin.[12] After one more match that he played off the bench (against the Waratahs in Sydney),[13] he made his first Super Rugby start in their final tour match against the Force in Perth.[14]

His performances for the Lions in Super Rugby also led to a domestic move, with Van der Merwe joining the Golden Lions on a deal for the 2014 Currie Cup Premier Division competition.[15]

On 4 April 2015, he scored a last-minute winning in their 2015 Super Rugby season match against the Bulls to help the Lions win the match 22–18 against their trans-Jukskei rivals.[16] He made 15 total appearances for the club during this season.[17]

He joined Racing 92 on a short-term deal for the start of their 2015–16 Top 14 season.[18] He played two games in total for Racing, against Grenoble and Oyonnax. Van der Merwe then returned to the Lions for the start of the 2016 Super Rugby Season, scoring 5 tries during the course of the season as the Lions reached their first ever Super Rugby final. He came off the bench in the Lions loss to the Hurricanes.

At the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby Season Van der Merwe again came off the bench in the final, which saw the Lions defeated by the Crusaders.[19]

Sharks

[edit]

Prior to the start of the 2018 Super Rugby Season he moved to the Durban-based Sharks franchise on a two-year contract.[20] In his inaugural season he made 15 appearances and scored 2 tries. Van der Merwe started at hooker as the Sharks fell to the Crusaders at the quarter-finals stage of the competition. He also scored a try in the 2018 Currie Cup final, which saw the Sharks win their first Currie Cup title for 5 years.[21]

He made only 8 appearances for the Sharks during the 2019 Super Rugby Season. The most notable event of the season came during a Sharks home game against the Bulls, which saw Van der Merwe sent off following an altercation with Springbok hooker Schalk Brits.[22] He received a three-week playing ban following the incident.[23]

Sale Sharks

[edit]

Following the conclusion of his contract with the Sharks, Van der Merwe joined Premiership Rugby side Sale Sharks on a three-year contract.[24] Sale Sharks announced in June 2023 that he had agreed early release from his contract and would be leaving the club with immediate effect and return to South Africa.[25]

Bulls

[edit]

In July 2023 the Bulls confirmed he had agreed a three-year contract until 2026.[2]

Honours

[edit]
  • Super Rugby runner-up: 2016, 2017
  • Currie Cup champion: 2018
  • Premiership Rugby Cup champion: 2019-20
  • Named in the 2023–24 United Rugby Championship Elite XV team

Personal

[edit]

He is the older brother of Scotland international and British and Irish Lions winger Duhan van der Merwe, who also played Craven Week rugby for SWD Eagles and was included in the South African Schools sides in 2012 and 2013.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "SA Rugby Player Profile – Akker van der Merwe". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  2. ^ a b "AKKER VAN DER MERWE SIGNS FOR VODACOM BULLS". Bulls Rugby. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  3. ^ "SWD-keurders kies vir Cravenweek". Die Burger (in Afrikaans). 28 May 2008. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Eagles set to take to the air". Premier Soccer League. 10 June 2009. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – FNB NWU-PUKKE 33–39 FNB UCT 1ST XV". South African Rugby Union. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  6. ^ "SA Rugby Squad – Leopards XV : 2013 Vodacom Cup". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  7. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – MTN Golden Lions 45–15 Leopards XV". South African Rugby Union. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  8. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Leopards 27–35 Steval Pumas". South African Rugby Union. 19 July 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  9. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Leopards 22–17 Regent Boland Cavaliers". South African Rugby Union. 17 August 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  10. ^ "Vodacom Super Rugby Touring Squad Named" (Press release). Lions. 24 April 2014. Archived from the original on 26 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  11. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Chiefs 38–8 Lions". South African Rugby Union. 3 May 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  12. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Highlanders 23–22 Lions". South African Rugby Union. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  13. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Waratahs 41–13 Lions". South African Rugby Union. 18 May 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  14. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Force 29–19 Lions". South African Rugby Union. 24 May 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  15. ^ "(H)Akker van der Merwe word 'n Leeu" (in Afrikaans). SupaRugby. 7 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  16. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Emirates Lions 22–18 Vodacom Bulls". South African Rugby Union. 4 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  17. ^ "Akker VAN DER MERWE profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  18. ^ "Lions Rugby contracting update" (Press release). Lions. 1 July 2015. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  19. ^ nicholaszaal (5 August 2017). "Mistakes cost the Lions their first Super Rugby trophy". Randburg Sun. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  20. ^ "Akker van der Merwe signs with Sharks". www.ultimaterugby.com. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  21. ^ SAPeople (27 October 2018). "Sharks Crowned Currie Cup Champions With Historic Victory". SAPeople - Worldwide South African News. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  22. ^ "Schalk Brits and Akker van Der Merwe red carded for old school punch up | Rugbydump". www.rugbydump.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  23. ^ "Akker van der Merwe gets slap on wrist". SA Rugby magazine. 1 April 2019. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  24. ^ "Sale sign South African duo until 2022". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  25. ^ "Springbok Akker to leave Sharks". 30 June 2023.
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