After a dream debut for the Springboks against Wales on 22 June 2025 it has taken more than a year and a long injury lay-off for Edwill van der Merwe to earn his second cap against Italy in the Springboks second test match of 2025 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 12 July 2025.
In his debut van der Merwe was named Man of the Match. The winger from Kylemore near Stellenbosch was one of four players making their first appearances for the Springboks, Van der Merwe crowned his day with a 40-metre sprint to score under the posts, as Rassie Erasmus’ charges opened their 2024 campaign with a 41-13 victory against Wales.
In total, the Lions speedster beat four defenders, made two clean breaks, ran 71 metres and completed all three of his tackle attempts, earning the Man of the Match award.
Lions winger Edwill van der Merwe described his sensational Springbok-debut as “incredible and humbling”.
Edwill van der Merwe was born on 12 April 1996 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. He stands at 5ft 11in (1.8m) and weighs 14st 3lbs (90kg).
He presently plays for the Sharks, and in the past played for the Lions and Golden Lions, Stormers and Western Province.
Van der Merwe won his first cap for South Africa in June 2024 against Wales. The Springboks won the game 41-13 and Van der Merwe was named Player of the Match.
He said of his first cap: “The way we prepared the last two weeks has given me a lot of confidence in the system, and I could just be myself. There was no real nervousness and I could just go out there and be Edwill. “The guys around me – Jesse [Kriel], Mapimps [Makazole Mapimpi] – gave me a lot of confidence. They were always chatting to me and it made my job a lot easier. It was a memorable first start for South Africa, and hopefully not the last.”
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus said of the player: “Edwill definitely looked very comfortable. He’s 28. He maybe slotted in a little bit easier than some of the other guys. I think he deserves everything that comes his way now.”
Van der Merwe was a ball boy during the 2012 World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
He is raising money for a children’s charity in Cape Town and has a fundraiser in his Instagram bio.
He married his long-time partner Nadine in December 2023.
Van der Merwe likes to quad bike.
He studied sport science at Stellenbosch University.
