Lions hooker signs for Sharks

Cape Town - The Sharks have confirmed the signing of Golden Lions hooker Akker van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe, 26, will join the Durban-based franchise on a two-year deal and becomes available with immediate effect.

He will meet up with Robert du Preez's team on Monday as they prepare for their Currie Cup encounter against the Blue Bulls on Wednesday (August 9).

The Sharks made it two wins out of two so far this season, after defeating the Griquas at Kings Park with a bonus-point 41-3 win on Friday.

Van der Merwe made his Super Rugby debut for the Lions in 2014 and capped off his Super Rugby career for the Johannesburg-based franchise with a 50th appearance in the final on Saturday.

The Lions went on to lose 25-17 against the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final at Ellis Park.

He earned 38 caps for the franchise and scored eight Super Rugby tries.

The Sharks are happy to confirm the signing of @Akker_vd_Merwe on a 2 year deal. Akker will join up with the team on Monday. #OurSharks pic.twitter.com/31yAnCNzAj

— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) August 6, 2017