Duhan van der Merwe’s journey from South Africa to playing rugby for Scotland!

Duhan van der Merwe talks through his life from South Africa to rugby in Scotland, and the pride he felt representing the British and Irish Lions as well as the pride he felt when his older brother made his Springboks debut!
#Rugby #TheOpenSide #Interview
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[@rmacartney]

Been a Scotland fan for 40 odd years and used to get really wound up by some of the imports into the team, but this guy is special. Not just the way he plays, but in the fact that he clearly believes that he owes Edinburgh and Scotland a debt of gratitude and is paying that back in spades. I was surprised that he re-signed, but you only have to look back at his interviews to realise that it should be no surprise at all. A quality bloke

[@johnnydale6515]

We as South Africans are also very proud of Duhan van der Merwe showing administrators that you can achieve the highest you are prepared to fight for

[@tshiya.mosikili2324]

From South Africa, we are proud of you Duhan.

[@reinhardthuman3565]

Yeah man totally agree 👍

[@thomas_lale]

Duhan has such a great attitude. Being truly grateful to those around him for getting him to where he is and working to repay them on the pitch.

[@craigus1991]

If anyone is deserving of an honorary Scotsman title, it’s this man. 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

[@hermanvisser4034]

What a nice interview. No plastic, no facades, just simple honesty. Well done to the interviewer.

[@MyCousin82]

Most SA fans love and respect this guy and want to see him do well. At the time of going overseas he was way down the pecking order so wasn't judged as harshly as a Rathbone for example. Great player and deserves to play international rugby.

[@ryanpp3696]

Agreed, top top player. Pity he isn't playing for us

[@justinfox171]

Don’t know what South African likes him if I’m being honest. Lions tour he injured Du Diot with a late challenge. Also injured kolbe

[@MrGTFOplz]

@@justinfox171 Yeah no one talks about that ridiculous tackle on Du Toit which is suprising

[@justinfox171]

@@MrGTFOplz exactly, du toit was out for a whole year because of it. Every time he plays the boks he always is in the middle of fights or some controversy. He clearly still hurt he never made our squad

[@ryanpp3696]

@@justinfox171 no one cares too much because springboks won the series

[@nonksfromcpt]

This man is freaking brilliant on the pitch. We support him, regardless of which country he plays for 🇿🇦👏

[@redhar786]

Scotland polished this Gem. All of South Africa is proud of you bro. Keep it up

[@drunkenrockstar23]

Great interview....that’s what people want to see pure emotions from laughing to crying to being so humble and his work effort and life skills !! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rickyv2844]

Welgedaan Duhan, trots op jou... ons sien die emosies. Mag jou ster altyd skitter!!

[@reinhardthuman3565]

Stem volkome saam

[@IwasInThe60s]

You go, Duhan! All South Africans and Scots are supporting you. Your try against England will become as legendary as the "try from the end of the earth", started by Phil Bennett and ended off by Gareth Edwards, in the Barbarians vs All Blacks match in 1971.

[@IwasInThe60s]

I think it is time that the Scots fans should add "Dhooo" to their "Shooo" gasps!😂

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

@@IwasInThe60s like when pierre spies got the ball the crowd shouted spies. or when Tendai Mtawarira got the ball people shouted beast.

[@IwasInThe60s]

@@RabbitholeIsrael Exactly.👍 In 1970, during a test between the Springboks and the All Blacks, the legendary Afrikaans radio commentator, Gerhard Viviers, just shouted "Sydee, Sydee, Sydee" as Syd Nomis was about to score a long-distance try. The joke at the time was: Imagine if it was the hooker, Piston van Wyk, who ran in for the try.😂

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

Duhan Van Der Merwe a class player,your a credit to Scotland and your team doing so well in the 6n this year .You beat my team with ease and well deserved, from a sad but proud Welshman and WRU fan. The 1971 Barbarians v NZ Gareth Edwards and Phill Benett (R.I.P.Phil) what a game that was.

[@richardscanlan3419]

The barbarians game was in 1973.And even though Barry John didn't play,it was essentially the 1971 Lions team playing in the Baabaa's hoops.@@user-ni9gr1qn5t

[@chriscunningham7155]

What a great guy, proud to have him as a Scot as he has brought me and thousands of others joy with his fantastic speed, strength, skill, passion and to articulate the Scottish weather so well. Be safe Duhan van der MacMerwe

[@allanfeatherstone3876]

"Duhan van der MacMerwe" - Love it

[@eritchie5]

Already a living legend in Scottish Rugby.

[@dln05]

I admired him as a player before the interview. I admire him as a person now.

[@tonymt2788]

Tbh as a scot myself watching this video I can only say what a player what a humble attitude great player for sure 👍

[@IstariCT]

Great interview. Duhan is a credit to both countries. Well done Braveheart Boerseun.

[@dazaessox]

and scotland is proud of you what a player what a great outlook on life and genuine at heart

[@mrdunns3338]

And he's still improving, look at his hat trick at Murrayfield last week.

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Can,t defend.rubbish against bigger side,s.😂😂😂😂😂

[@LookHereFilms]

Great player, great interview! So glad he found his international "home" in Scotland. A bit like James Lowe for Ireland who could not break thru into the AB's first team. Now look at him! Well done, boys. Think Duhan is going to make a big mark in RWC 23.

[@alexgalbraithacoustic]

As a half Saffa, half Scot, who went to Heriot-Watt Uni (where they filmed this interview!), I approve this message! :D (What a legend Duhan is!) 🏉

[@douglasherron7534]

Do visiting teams still use the pitches at Riccarton to train on? They used to when I was there in the late '80's...

[@andrewtweedie3835]

No, there’s no space with the Scotland squad, hearts and sfa youth all training there daily

[@2006M1kah]

What a heartwarming conversation, Duhan’s ability to display his human emotions so well. The interviewer’s ability to make this chat flow is beautiful.

[@craighogg5472]

What a fantastic interview - great to see more of Duhan and a more personal side. He is playing amazingly for Scotland and we love having him here. Glad to hear the lad loves the country as much as we do 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@glentweedie602]

Well done, bro. We rugby FANatics in 🇿🇦 are really proud of you.

[@si5883]

As are we rugby FANatics in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and he's our bro too.we love him!

[@lwandilezuma2292]

his accent is literally the perfect blend of Afrikaans and a Scottish accent 😭 Congratulations on a stellar career thus far

[@MrPoepope]

'Scotland has created me into the player I am today'! -- sorry, people can go in on 'qualified' players, but when players go through things like this, where they've had no success, need surgery, and a nation/club/team/coach says come, we'll get you there and it happens... beautiful thing. Life should have less borders in general!

[@Spaxcore]

At the end of the day these boys just want to play. If your own nation says "sorry. No room at the Inn" then what do people expect them to do?

[@cmcc3721]

Captures the spirit of Scotland. Like our other favourite Scot Tuipulotu. Absolute beasts on the field. Get well soon ma man. We need you back pronto.

[@lewismacdonald6694]

Such a genuine bloke and a class rugby player. He will break records in the Scotland shirt 💪🙌

[@scrivenroan]

I'm surprised his Afrikaans Accent is still so predominant having been in Europe for such a long time now. Amazing player, regardless South Africans can be proud.

[@douglasherron7534]

If you move as an adult you never lose your accent. I lived outside Scotland for over 20 years and still retained the accent.

[@freshwaterfishman]

His accent is known as the Malmesbury bray, different from a normal Afrikaans accent. Malmesbury Is a small farming town in the south west Cape

[@allanfeatherstone3876]

@@freshwaterfishman But he's from George +400 km's away from Malmesbury

[@freshwaterfishman]

@@allanfeatherstone3876 oh it’s called the George bray is it?

[@dannyarcher6370]

@@freshwaterfishman * brei

[@luthandomondliwa8702]

So happy for this lad

[@carlosl-f2433]

What a nice humble man.

[@yourheinness9275]

I love how our boys grow up to be so immensely influential in the rest of world. Good on ya mate. Go get them. I’m watching and cheering you on.

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

a most remarkable guy and true ambassador to the RF Game at the highest level…👊⁉️🔥

[@kakpraat18]

Great to see a person succeed. Happy for you boet.

[@rigardtsmit1816]

Scotland is amazing, and Duhan deserves everything he has. He has worked hard for this. Enjoy it buddy

[@Ayerighr]

The Big Man belongs to Scotland now, we're not giving him back! 😁 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇿🇦

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

he fits well into your squat. glad scotland has him. Scotland has a great attacking side. his size fits into scotlands gameplan. Where with springboks, the small agile wings are preferred more.

[@mattlaw8866]

Becoming a springbok is not easy. Well done to his brother.

[@fabby8000]

We love the big man. What a player !

[@brettfairbairn]

What an amazing interview, for an amazing guy 💪 go Scotland vs Italy, finish strong ...

[@rowangengan1367]

Such a humble guy, keep it up Duhan

[@user-ni9gr1qn5t]

Duhan van der Merwe one of Scotland's best.......

[@NukaRoach]

Even though u play for Scotland, us South Africans will always love you. Make Scotland and South Africa proud

[@ianjacobs2998]

You one of the best!!From South Africa 🇿🇦 🇿🇦

[@malcolm9650]

Duhan will go down as a Scottish great🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪🏻🇿🇦

[@CanalOtro]

Dude is an animal. As a new Rugby fan this guy is a joy to watch.

[@janlamprecht9229]

Well done Duhan! You might not be a Bok, but you have shown that you can play at the highest of international level and shine. Playing for the Lions, wow... hats off Boeta!!

[@kwaaikat100]

Wow, what a nice guy. As a South African well done to Scotland for recognising potential and giving him a chance, standing by him through injury. I wish him only the best and I’m also proud of him, but Scotland has earned him.

[@davidrowlands2172]

Bless the dude ; he genuinely seems like and awesome guy

[@JamesWilson-ts5xk]

Gotta love rugby the sport and the for the people. Travelling the world as a rugby player is always a dependable experience. Good men and women of a great game. That try was sensational to see - as a center for many years it’s what gives you that rush - beating a few defenders for the try! First time I saw your moves, I was ‘woah, nice try!’ Then rewatched it a few more times! Get it Duhan- we’ll all be watching where you’re career leads! 👊👏💪🏉

[@clarkkent131]

Great interview, insightful. Brilliant player and personality Duhan!

[@CreativeDestruction0]

Great interview! So glad to have Duhan playing for Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SpiderKillaz]

We are so lucky to have you brother. Thank you.

[@Sidecontrol1234]

Always have time for South Africans, have played rugby with many of the over the years and they are the most humble, fun lovely individuals you'll ever meet.

[@sean.butterworth]

I was very surprised he had less of an impact at RWC than I expected. He’s a brilliant player and a credit to SA’s rugby heritage

[@willemsteyn7808]

I watched Outeniqua play on tv and saw him there for the first time. I immediately told myself to remember the name as I knew he would play international rugby at some stage, just thought it would be for SA. He played for the baby boks a few years later and then went to france. I was amazed how none of the local franchises tried to get his signature. He probably made the right decision as politics would have meant that players of colour would be preferred above him.

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Nah, the Bulls did. He just left after a few games. Only 20.

[@dylandicks4591]

South African rugby let this guy slip through their hands. He is such a great player! Very proud of this boytjie. Keep going Duhan!

[@AndrewWands]

He was magnificent again against England for us 🙏💪

[@ettiennejordaan4146]

Awesome video. Genuine interview.

[@mrasteve1]

Absolute legend!

[@vcmarketing5722]

Duhan jy is 'n yster! Amazing wat jy beryk in jou lewe! Ek kyk nou baie graag die skotte met jou daar! Sterkte vir die world cup!

[@tomhart-evija9201]

Love this! What a great interview.

[@pamaerysovershares7373]

Yeah we make jokes about him not being a springbok but he’s not supposed to be. He fits right in there and he’s just electric! I love watching him I’m always low-key rooting for him and I think most Saffas do too 🔥🇿🇦❤️

[@TheDOMINATOR89]

Bloody Legend! Good on you Duhan!

[@jezza6948]

Low key tricep flexing 😂 what a awesome dude!

[@garethjones6873]

great contribution for the scots Duhan, heart on your sleeve, humble and tearing defences to shreds.. love it !

[@clive0956]

Great interview thanks

[@Valhalla88888]

The Flying Scotsman ❤

[@Luraigan]

Great interview from Elma.

[@cy-villian]

He's a great rugby player and that try will always be a favourite of mine. I do wonder if he will regret never being in a position to win a World Cup.

[@rosslouden5981]

Beautiful human being ❤

[@Nouga-sh6wy]

WoW ; great content Wood rugby . Hé sèmes’ very Nice person , that insight on Russel was great

[@tebogopekane1418]

Wishing him all the best.🎉

[@stanleybuchan4610]

Thank you Duhan.

[@jboy1870]

Love your story Duhan!

[@jchendrix]

Go on Duhan keep fighting to get stronger and better do us proud against the Irish🏉

[@SpringbokFanFromMzanzi]

Great player!

[@paulsmuts9280]

A great player!

[@FundiCrypto]

Great content!

[@thlonolofatsokgaole2997]

Wonderful player. Great guy! Too bad he’ll never get to win a WC though😢

[@gunnerhawk]

What a humble man?

[@garywagner2466]

Seems like a nice guy. Happy for his success. Glad he didn’t switch to field hockey. Good grief!

[@johandevilliers4471]

Great player and I have great respect for him. Money talks, bullsh... walks. He got the opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. Good on him. What a try against England.

[@artur.j.r]

Still got the thickest Afrikaans accent haha Love from Mozambique Duhan.

[@josephtree6914]

Seems like a really wholesome chap, class player, can you come and play for england 😅

[@stanleybuchan4610]

Yes, poor England. You've only got 55 million to pick from.😅😅

[@blaquenguni9249]

It's so interesting that even on current form Duhan wouldn't get picked for the Boks coz they wan wingers who can cover 15 and kick (Moodie , Kurt Lee Arendse etc )...even though one could argue in terms of just pure finishing( the main job of a winger ) , he's pound for pound the best in the world. Just like Cobus Reinach is by far the best 9 in SA for at least 5 years , but Faf De Klerk knows the system the Boks play like back of his shampoo bottle and suits the Boks system. Reinach starts for almost any other Tier 1 nation , except maybe for France (Du Pont ). I'm not really a fan of coach's who choose a game plan FIRST and then look for players who best suit that gameplan , that's a one dimensional coach. A coach should be able to choose the best of the best as far as talent and figure out a way/system that works for those great players .

[@powerbite92]

the issue is THEN that players like Le Roux Siya, Faf kwagga, etc, start to go off form... and THEN what? there's no real development that's happening behind them.

[@RedLorryYellowLorry_]

No, you have it totally wrong and backward, The Southern Hemisphere teams proved that playing a system brings success, If the system works don't get players in to disrupt it. If it ain't broken, don't fix it. South Africa have proven how talented players come in and never stay yet those who adapt to the system, stick around longer. Cheslin Kolbe got injured and Moodie/Arendse fell in line and delivered just as good a job, and it's no secret that the system makes use of utility players like Willemse and Hendrikse, that's because the boks can stretch the team out further by using 2 pack of forwards because they tire quicker than those backline guys. So the system is important. South Africa is one of the countries that produce the most Rugby players so it's not possible for every player to make it, Manie Libbok sat on the bench at the Blue bulls then the Sharks before the Stormers bought him, and then became the best fly-half in the League and country but still probably won't make the Bok team because his style of rugby doesn't fit the mold for the traditional South African 10. The style of rugby that the Stormers play has much more attack and flair than the other franchises which some would say isn't the traditional style of SA Rugby. That alone should tell you why Reinach doesn't start. For players moulded by other teams is the case of Duhan it's tricky because you can't expect to coach/mould players at an international level, the groundwork should be done at schools and club rugby level, and thereafter they need to be adaptable to the system given by the national coach. Also, pound for pound, Duhan is not the best in the world.

[@powerbite92]

@Red Lorry Yellow Lorry this saffa squad is too old with not enough confident youth coming through in positions like scrum half, no. 12 etc

[@loopydaloo7425]

Heard and/ or observed. (1) SA men who immigrate to Edinburgh and enjoy playing rugby, the first thing they do when they arrive in Olde Reekie is join a rugby team, because they almost instantly make friends. (2) Scotland rugby team seems to be playing better rugby since they imported more players.

[@shaunfisher9292]

Best hair in rugby 😊

[@buronwillaims9108]

Duhan is Yster!!! ❤

[@buronwillaims9108]

Duhan sorry man,you and the aunty should date,really Mnr! Julle pas. Good vibes.

[@theomoller6637]

Wat n nederige persoon. Wens hy was nog in n Bulls trui. Voorspoed met jou loopbaan vorentoe

[@estienneverster]

Duhan jou yster ......☝️

[@josephfourie]

WeeeerttyuiiooopppoolloolllllllllledggklfjkkkkkllkklllloppppadhkiidhkhjkllgjllgjkpiofhkkopgkliopdhjkppopfooopefosfkdhkoodgkksgjllphipolgjofjllfjklofhkopdgjhgjkgkodhodhjsdhxcnshkhkkxfjjkcbmldjkjgkkfkkollhkkkkkkkzvhldhjkgkkhkkgjkkkjkllxbcvmdfgjfklgjlhjjkjjkkjkkkpppdhkfhsvjhkgkgkklldhkxhkfjkdhlkkooChklcnkhkjlfjokkllikllkkcvkvkdndhffhkfhlfklsdglzmdknlfgioofgkdfjghlfjgjilfjkllhkplhkolllkxgxkxcdhlshldkjghkdjlklgklllppplxjkjzvkklvklklgkkfnlddskxfdjhkllkfvlbhklgjkjlljklogjlgkljkllklllllllllllsssgjgjjkjkkkkjkkkkklkkkkklkkllllsxfhjjhjkkkkkkkklklkkkkkkkklllldcbgnkkkukklyjkklkkklkkkklklklksfhjkgjjlkllgjkklhlioolfjllgvkkksgjjlhjohjlklfjshksssaagkjckkhxjjfjlchkcjlcjjkklfnkccjkcvkllzjlklp❤

[@cliffjacobs3952]

Despite the best efforts of World Rugby not wanting to mention it, I will divulge that Outeniqua is in George. No, I have no affiliation with either the school or the place; I was just curious where Duhan was from, but World Rugby tantalisingly wouldn't tell.

[@Elmakapelma]

We did talk about George but this bit ended up on the cutting room floor. But Outeniqua is world famous, no? 😅

[@cliffjacobs3952]

As jy so sê. Maar dis ñ uiters parochial stelling. Anyway, klink asof dit swak editing is. Ja, ñ mens kan dit seker loop google, maar waarvoor is editors daar? Ek is seker maar verkeerd.

[@Elmakapelma]

Dis regtigwaar net die beste 10minute, wat vir die breedste deursnit gehoor wêreldwyd relevant is, wat uitgesoek word. Dis nie die eerste (of laaste!) onderhoud wat hy ooit gaan doen nie - dis maar net ‘n snytjie insig, vir nou.

[@cliffjacobs3952]

OK.

[@Mimeniia]

Funny enough there quite a few things cut off in mid to end of sentence.

[@etiennerossouw6957]

Scotland has a good team now.

[@petergibson6589]

When you coming home to play for the Springboks!!

[@john-ml8oj]

Nice story but perhaps more focus and funding in Scottish youth system would be better all round. 82-7 last night is testament to that 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stlouisix3]

Imagine if Duhan van der Merwe had been playing for the South Äfricän hockey team instead🤣😂😅😄

[@klrdjaydn6850]

Huw Jones next 🔥

[@jenniferkriel9348]

Lekker Boet!

[@nonjebusiness9581]

Man forgot he had to speak in English and said under sestien which is sixteen and I'm going to the same high school has he did

[@pnbrowne]

Why did he not play for SA? Glossing over that bit…..

[@kellyrobbins8255]

Not much to tell. Was involved all the way through the age group structures, got Academy slot, played a couple of games for the Bulls and then went to Montpellier in France at 20. Injured. SA clubs knew nothing based on time spent absent and competition here is rough - Edinburgh willing to take a chance on someone who failed a medial and good on both him and them. It's not something an SA club could justify doing with the size of the player pool - whether or not his brother is a capped Bok. This would've involved covering rehab etc not merely signing him. If you assumed or wanted it to be about quotas, sorry.

[@12334ttqtqt]

Would probably still be on the Bok bench 🤣 if selected at all. Love that he's doing well there though

[@kerrvalenti2874]

Irelavent to this interview though isn’t it

[@NISasquatch]

Did some ‘stuff on the field’ in U16 translates as ‘eating trenbolone sandwiches’