Scarlets face battle to keep hold of star hooker

THE Scarlets face a fight to retain the services of Springboks hooker Marnus van der Merwe beyond this season.

- BEN JAMES

According to RugbyPass, the 28-year-old is being targeted for a return to South Africa when his Scarlets contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, with the Sharks interested in acquiring his services.

The explosive South African was a revelation in his first season at Parc y Scarlets after joining from the Cheetahs.

His form was so impressive that Rassie Erasmus selected the Scarlets star in the senior South African squad where he made his Test debut in the victory over Georgia, scoring two tries.

He was a key part of the Scarlets' improvements up front in the 2024-25 season with his set-piece prowess, ability at the breakdown and explosive carrying giving Dwayne Peel's side an extra edge.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the Scarlets' future following the Welsh Rugby Union's preference to cut down to two professional teams, recruitment and retention will be difficult.