Glasgow Warriors have confirmed the signing of Canadian international back DTH van der Merwe on a two year deal.
DTH, whose full name is Daniel Tailliferre Hauman van der Merwe, made the shift from wing to outside centre with great aplomb at the weekend during Canada's second summer Test against Wales in Toronto.
Van der Merwe, who moved to Canada from South Africa, has made a recent return to action after 15 months out with complications from a broken ankle, but his work in the gym and on the pitch has taken him to the next level.
"It is one of the biggest things that's ever happened to me other than playing for Canada," he said speaking from Denver, Colorado, where Canada are preparing for their first game of the Barclays Churchill Cup against Georgia this weekend.
"It has been tough coming back. I think I'm finding myself being a better player as a result of the injury, because I really thought I wasn't going to play again for a while there. I am a better player for myself and my team-mates and I feel stronger than before."
He also feels that playing rugby for the Warriors will be as rewarding as pulling on his national jersey.
"When I get handed that jersey for Canada I look at it and admire it and I don't see that changing with Glasgow either."
Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen, said of the Canucks flyer: "We took a look at our outside backs and we need to have quality players at certain times of the season.
"He came over and trained very well with the squad and fitted in well with the players.
"But above all that, he's a quality player. He's played for Canada in the past few weeks against Ireland and Wales and has been outstanding in those games."
Scotland 'A' and Scotland 7s international Richie Vernon has signed a two year extension to his current deal with The Biggest Team in Glasgow.
Vernon, who will join the Scotland 'A' team in Romania this summer, ended his season with a broken foot, but feels next season, he can build on the impressive form he's shown both in Glasgow and Scotland colours.
"Richie has incredible potential. He has pace, strength, size and is very ambitious and the latter is what you need to get to the top of this game."
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