London Irish sign Franco van der Merwe

London Irish have completed the signing of South African second row Franco van der Merwe aahead of the 2017/18 Premiership Rugby season.

“I’m delighted to welcome Franco to London Irish and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team,” said Exiles’ director of rugby Nick Kennedy, a former second row himself.

“He’s got great experience and good leadership skills, which will certainly help the development of the younger members of our squad. He’ll be an important figure to have around the club as we return to the Premiership.”

After making just under 200 appearances for South African side the Lions, van der Merwe made the switch to fellow Super Rugby outfit the Sharks in 2013 prior to joining PRO14 club Ulster a year later.

Capped by the Springboks, the experienced lock, 34, joins fellow countryman Sebastian de Chaves in the engine room, with the duo undoubtedly keen to play a part against Harlequins in the London Double Header at Twickenham this Saturday.