Cape Town - Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe has extended his contract with the Durban-based franchise.
The Sharks confirmed on Twitter that Van der Merwe extended his two-year deal and will remain at Kings Park until 2019.
Van der Merwe joined the Sharks in August and formed a crucial part of the Sharks team that topped the Currie Cup log.
The former Golden Lions hooker featured on the bench in the Currie Final at Kings Park as Western Province stormed to a 33-21 victory.
A "excited" Van der Merwe will be looking forward to the upcoming 2018 Super Rugby season.
The 26-year-old featured in the Super Rugby final this year, when the Lions lost to the Crusaders at Ellis Park.
The Sharks begin their 2018 Super Rugby campaign against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on February 17.We're proud to announce that Akker van der Merwe will be with us until 2019! #OurSharks pic.twitter.com/THsEMIwODe
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) December 7, 2017