ACHIEVEMENTS & MILESTONES
Discover the remarkable achievements of our featured athletes. From record-breaking performances to prestigious awards, each milestone tells a story of dedication and perseverance.
-
SA U/19 Rugby
2025
POSITION:
Prop
CLUB TEAM:
Sharks
HOMETOWN:
Alberton
DOB:
December 1, 2006
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Ulrich van der Merwe, affectionately nicknamed "Ula" or "Baksteen" (meaning "Brick" in Afrikaans, likely a nod to his robust build and resilience), is an emerging South African rugby union player specializing as a prop.
Van der Merwe attended Laerskool President Steyn in Alberton, where he was coached by Markus van der Westhuizen. He excelled in schoolboy rugby, earning representation for the Golden Lions at youth levels from a young age. His early career was marked by significant health challenges, which he overcame to continue progressing in the sport. These setbacks built his reputation for determination, as highlighted by his mother, Naomi-Amanda, who described him as someone with "a heart that cares deeply for others."
Van der Merwe's talent shone in provincial youth structures, particularly with the Golden Lions. He has been involved in SA Rugby's academy programs, transitioning between unions. By late 2024 and into 2025, he was listed with the Fidelity ADT Lions before aligning with the Hollywoodbets Sharks for Under-19 and Under-20 academy squads.
He has not yet made senior provincial debuts in major competitions like the Currie Cup or United Rugby Championship (URC) but has been a regular in SA Rugby's national academy camps.
In October 2025, van der Merwe was selected for the SA Rugby Under-19 Academy squad for a European tour to France and Ireland. The 30-player group, which included five members of the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship-winning Junior Springboks, departed after a training camp in Stellenbosch. The tour featured three matches, providing high-level exposure against European opposition.
As a prop, van der Merwe is noted for his physicality and work rate in the tight phases. His nickname "Baksteen" reflects a sturdy, unbreakable presence in scrums and breakdowns. Standing tall for his age group, he has been praised for overcoming adversity, positioning him as a prospect for future Junior Springbok teams and potentially senior provincial or Springbok pathways.
Van der Merwe attended Laerskool President Steyn in Alberton, where he was coached by Markus van der Westhuizen. He excelled in schoolboy rugby, earning representation for the Golden Lions at youth levels from a young age. His early career was marked by significant health challenges, which he overcame to continue progressing in the sport. These setbacks built his reputation for determination, as highlighted by his mother, Naomi-Amanda, who described him as someone with "a heart that cares deeply for others."
Van der Merwe's talent shone in provincial youth structures, particularly with the Golden Lions. He has been involved in SA Rugby's academy programs, transitioning between unions. By late 2024 and into 2025, he was listed with the Fidelity ADT Lions before aligning with the Hollywoodbets Sharks for Under-19 and Under-20 academy squads.
He has not yet made senior provincial debuts in major competitions like the Currie Cup or United Rugby Championship (URC) but has been a regular in SA Rugby's national academy camps.
In October 2025, van der Merwe was selected for the SA Rugby Under-19 Academy squad for a European tour to France and Ireland. The 30-player group, which included five members of the 2025 World Rugby Under-20 Championship-winning Junior Springboks, departed after a training camp in Stellenbosch. The tour featured three matches, providing high-level exposure against European opposition.
As a prop, van der Merwe is noted for his physicality and work rate in the tight phases. His nickname "Baksteen" reflects a sturdy, unbreakable presence in scrums and breakdowns. Standing tall for his age group, he has been praised for overcoming adversity, positioning him as a prospect for future Junior Springbok teams and potentially senior provincial or Springbok pathways.