Springbok no. 951 · Hooker
Marnus van der Merwe
Marthinus Stephanus van der Merwe · Scarlets
3Tests
2Tries
0Tours
28Age at debut
Test career
2025
First test
19 Jul 2025, age 28 · Hooker v Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Last test
13 Sep 2025, age 28 · Reserve v New Zealand, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington
Biography
Marnus van der Merwe is an energetic, ball-carrying hooker who made his name in Wales. Born in Nelspruit on 17 February 1997, he joined Scarlets from the Cheetahs in 2024. In his first season he was voted the supporters’ player of the year and named in the URC Elite XV.
He made a memorable Test debut against Georgia in 2025 and was part of that year’s Rugby Championship-winning squad. In 2026 he joined Munster.
Test history
3 tests · 10 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Jul 2025 |  Georgia | Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit | Hooker | W 55–10 | Scarlets |
| 23 Aug 2025 |  Australia | Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town | Reserve | W 30–22 | Scarlets |
| 13 Sep 2025 |  New Zealand | Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington | Reserve | W 43–10 | Scarlets |