ULSTER’S SOUTH AFRICAN lock Franco van der Merwe has completed a move Cardiff Blues for next season which will bring to an end his three-year spell at the province.

The once-capped Springbok had been heavily tipped to make the move in recent months and the Welsh side today confirmed that he will be making the move at the end of this season.

Earlier this week Ulster announced the signings of twice-capped Springbok flanker Arno Botha and Connacht scrum-half John Cooney for next season.

The shuffling of their forward stocks — bringing in Botha as van der Merwe departs — means versatile Ireland international Iain Henderson will likely be used more regularly in the second row from the beginning of the next campaign.

Van der Merwe has to date played 68 times for the northern province and Cardiff head coach Danny Wilson admitted he was delighted to secure the 33-year-old’s signature.

“Franco is a quality player, who will bring physicality and experience to the pack,” Wilson told the Cardiff Blues’ website.

“He’s been a standout leader and performer for Ulster over the last two seasons.

“The average age of our pack is currently just 25 and part of Franco’s role will be to help develop our younger forwards whilst bringing physicality and a lineout presence on game day.

“One of our priorities in recruitment for next season was to bolster our second rows and increase our on-field leadership.

“We believe Franco is a great fit and we look forward to his arrival in the summer.”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Bandon score 3 late tries to snatch Senior Cup thriller against Castletroy

Coughlan keen on coaching but playing days far from over at 36