Durban-based rugby franchise the Hollywoodbets Sharks could soon be an unstoppable force in the 2025/2026 United Rugby Championship season.
This comes after they recently put pen to paper by signing one of South Africa’s most exciting talents, Lions and Springbok winger Edwill van der Merwe.
While only a few years into his professional career the Springbok winger’s name has been one that has echoed through rugby corridors since his youth.
Before now joining the Sharks, Edwill learned the basics of the game by attending the prestigious Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch. The school is known as a Springbok factory after having produced numerous international stars including players like Damian Willemse, Herschel Jantjies, Steven Kitshoff, Willie le Roux, and many others. He later started his academic journey at Stellenbosch University where he became the top try scorer in the history of the Varsity Cup competition.
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Other notable teams Edwill represented included the Junior Springboks, Western Province as well as the Stormers. As of late, he has been in fantastic form since making the move to Johannesburg, running out in the colours of the Lions. In 2024 Rassie Erasmus rewarded the 28-year-old with a call-up to the senior team, where he made his international debut against Wales at the iconic Twickenham stadium.
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With the Sharks already in possession of several Springbok players, Edwill will now join a group of elite and experienced personalities like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi and Makazole Mapimpi.
In a recent post, the speedster shared appreciation towards the Lions for the time spent and the opportunities given to him by the franchise.
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“It has been an honour and privilege to represent this team. A massive thank you to the Lions Rugby Company for the opportunity to be part of this group for the last 4 seasons.
“I have grown immensely and will forever be grateful for the impact the Lions have had on my career. I have decided to move on at the end of the season, but remain fully committed to this team and our goals until then. My wife and I will leave with fond memories and full hearts. Joburg has been an incredible home for us,” he concluded.
Also see: Edwill, Jordan, and Sacha – get to know the Springboks newest debutants
