No player has been more dangerous with the ball in hand in the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14 season than electrifying Edinburgh winger Duhan van der Merwe. The mere sight of the 25-year-old has struck fear in the opposition – and he has now been named the Guinness Players’ Player of the Season for his standout campaign. Earning the recognition of his fellow players is just reward for the South African-born flyer, who carried his regular season form into Edinburgh’s Semi-Final clash with Ulster. While his efforts ultimately proved to be in vain as Scotland’s capital team were beaten 22-19 in a dramatic finale, Van der Merwe was once again one of the best players on the pitch. He finished the game with eight successful carries, three clean breaks and 13 defenders beaten for a total of 101 metres, with Ulster’s Rob Lyttle his nearest rival with 78 metres. It was a performance that appeared to have guided Edinburgh to their first Guinness PRO14 Final before Ulster mounted a late comeback, sealing victory in the 80th minute. But Van der Merwe’s display at BT Murrayfield was nothing out of the ordinary for a player who has consistently brought his A-game week-in, week-out throughout this season.
