RC Vannes is wasting no time in preparing for the first Top 14 season in its history. After announcing the extensions of Thibault Debaës and Léon Boulier until 2027, the Breton club formalized the arrival of Christiaan Van Der Merwe (2.00 m, 26 years old) for the next three seasons. A senior player at Nevers for two years (22 starts in 24 matches this season), the South African second-row will discover the elite of the French Championship with Vannes.
He joins his former coach
In talks since December 2023, this transfer is the Vannes residents’ first for this Top 14 season. Inexperienced at this level, the South African has nevertheless accumulated experience in France thanks to his visits to Agen ( 2016-2019), Carcassonne (2019-2022) and Nevers (2022-2024). He has already been coached by the current Vannes coach, Mathieu Cidre, then responsible for the Carcassonne forwards.
“I am very happy with my decision to join RCV for the next three seasons. Arriving at a new club is not always easy, so it will be a real challenge for me. I think the style of play played here suits me well and I can’t wait to represent the club on the pitch,” Van Der Merwe told the club’s official website.
