Van der Merwe released by Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues are poised to release South African international Franco van der Merwe before he has even played a game for the region.

This comes amid growing financial uncertainty within Welsh Rugby and a subsequent change in strategy at Cardiff Blues which focuses on unearthing homegrown talent.

The region have appointed a new director of development in Clive Jones with Blues chief executive Richard Holland explaining at the time:

“Due to the ongoing financial challenges the business faces, we must put all our efforts into developing from within if we want to be competitive in the future.

“This fits into the Welsh Rugby Union’s strategy and there will be further investment into our realigned academy system to ensure we maximise the potential from within.”

Van der Merwe signed from Ulster earlier this year but unfortunately for the Springbok second rower, he has become a casualty of the financial crisis in the Welsh game and Blues' chairman Peter Thomas' reluctance to invest.

The 34-year-old has been released and is now reportedly being courted by newly promoted Premiership side London Irish.