Munster have bolstered their front row for next season by announcing the signing of Springbok hooker Marnus van der Merwe from URC rivals Scarlets. The abrasive and powerful van der Merwe will leave Scarlets after two seasons in west Wales, having joined from the Cheetahs in 2024. Talking to Munster Rugby, van der Merwe said: "I’m excited and honoured to be joining such a prestigious club, with such a proud rugby history. I want to finish the season strong with the Scarlets, before tackling this new challenge with Munster." Munster are losing van der Merwe's fellow Springbok Jean Kleyn to Gloucester at the end of the current season with the lock's departure freeing up a space for a Non-Irish Qualified player under IRFU rules.

Source: Irish Examiner February 20, 2026 15:06 UTC