DTH Van der Merwe signs new Glasgow Warriors deal

GLASGOW Warriors celebrated their biggest win on Friday and added to the feelgood factor yesterday by announcing that their prolific try scorer, DTH van der Merwe, has committed to Scotstoun for at least a further two years.

While not on the scoresheet in the eight-try 60-3 demolition of Dragons at Rodney Parade, the Canadian has firmly established himself as a Glasgow favourite with his high-octane performances since signing for the club in 2009. His contract extension commits him to Glasgow until May 2015.

Van der Merwe arrived in Glasgow via Saracens, having made his debut for the Canadian national side three years earlier, and has built a reputation as a fearsome finisher. He is on the verge of becoming the Warriors all-time leading try scorer, having already surpassed former Warriors wing Thom Evans in the league try scoring chart. He needs just two more scores to take the club record.

The 26-year-old, who has scored eight tries in nine appearances this season, said: “This was a pretty easy decision for me and I’m very happy to have signed the deal. The direction the squad is heading played a big factor in my decision, not just the guys who are playing here already, but the guys who want to come and play their rugby here too. It’s pretty exciting.”

Van der Merwe is the seventh Warrior this season to sign a contract extension, following captain Al Kellock, Pat MacArthur, Tom Ryder, Mike Cusack, Tommy Seymour and Peter Murchie.