Share

Former SA prop dies

Cape Town - Former Western Province and Stormers prop Morne van der Merwe has died after a two-year long battle with cancer. He was 39.

The 124kg front rower played for Eastern Province before he moved to Cape Town to join Western Province and the Stormers, whom he represented in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The Western Province Rugby Union (WPRU) confirmed the news on their Facebook page on Friday morning.

They posted: RIP Morné van der Merwe - our condolences go out to his family and friends - from all at WP Rugby.

Current Stormers and Springbok wing added his condolences on Twitter, writing: Saddened to wake up to the news that Morne van Der Merwe past away this morning. To Cindy,Josh & Matt you r in our thoughts & prayers.

Van der Merwe finished his playing career in the colours of Wellington in New Zealand where he packed down with former All Blacks hooker, Norm Hewitt.

“He was a really good man and he was a very, very good prop,” said Hewitt.

“I rate him as one of the top props that I played with in my career and I’m talking the top six or eight. He was a top man, a great team man, and did anything and everything you could want from a player.”

Van der Merwe is survived by his wife, Cindy, and their two children.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1118 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1283 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1979 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE