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 Schools A Rugby
2023
-
SA Schools Rugby
2024
-
SA U/20 Rugby
2025
POSITION:
Centre
CLUB TEAM:
Bulls
HOMETOWN:
Bloemfontein
DOB:
February 16, 2006
CATEGORY:
Young Guns
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Pieter van der Merwe was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, a city renowned for its rugby culture. He attended Grey College, one of South Africa’s premier rugby schools, which has produced 46 Springboks, including legends like Jan Serfontein and Francois Venter. Growing up in a rugby-obsessed region, Pieter developed his skills early, progressing through Grey’s age-group teams (U16A and U17A) before breaking into the 1st XV. His education at Grey College emphasizes discipline and excellence, shaping him into a versatile and determined athlete.
Pieter van der Merwe emerged as a standout inside centre for Grey College’s 1st XV during the 2023 and 2024 schoolboy rugby seasons. Known for his physicality, pace, and strength, he earned a reputation as one of the top schoolboy players in South Africa. In 2023, his eye-catching performances included powerful carries and memorable plays, combining elements of speed, strength, and self-determination to gain significant metres. He was selected for the Free State Cheetahs U18 team at the 2023 Craven Week in George, where his performances earned him a call-up to the South Africa Schools A U18 team. In 2024, Pieter took on a leadership role as the 1st XV captain and school captain at Grey College, showcasing his maturity and influence. Playing alongside talented teammates like fly-half Ian van der Merwe and outside centre Benito Goede, he thrived in Grey’s dynamic backline, contributing to their dominant season, which included a 36-3 victory over Paul Roos Gimnasium. His ability to break tackles and create opportunities drew comparisons to Grey alumni like Jan Serfontein and Francois Venter, both former Springboks. Pieter’s performances at the 2024 Craven Week further solidified his reputation, earning him consideration for the SA Schools U18 team. His versatility as a converted loose-forward and his consistent form have marked him as a top prospect for the Junior Springboks (U20) in 2025.
Pieter van der Merwe is a powerful and versatile inside centre, blending the physicality of a loose forward with the vision and skill of a backline player. Standing at 1.85m and weighing approximately 95kg, he is a robust ball-carrier with the pace to exploit gaps and the strength to stay upright in contact.
Pieter van der Merwe emerged as a standout inside centre for Grey College’s 1st XV during the 2023 and 2024 schoolboy rugby seasons. Known for his physicality, pace, and strength, he earned a reputation as one of the top schoolboy players in South Africa. In 2023, his eye-catching performances included powerful carries and memorable plays, combining elements of speed, strength, and self-determination to gain significant metres. He was selected for the Free State Cheetahs U18 team at the 2023 Craven Week in George, where his performances earned him a call-up to the South Africa Schools A U18 team. In 2024, Pieter took on a leadership role as the 1st XV captain and school captain at Grey College, showcasing his maturity and influence. Playing alongside talented teammates like fly-half Ian van der Merwe and outside centre Benito Goede, he thrived in Grey’s dynamic backline, contributing to their dominant season, which included a 36-3 victory over Paul Roos Gimnasium. His ability to break tackles and create opportunities drew comparisons to Grey alumni like Jan Serfontein and Francois Venter, both former Springboks. Pieter’s performances at the 2024 Craven Week further solidified his reputation, earning him consideration for the SA Schools U18 team. His versatility as a converted loose-forward and his consistent form have marked him as a top prospect for the Junior Springboks (U20) in 2025.
Pieter van der Merwe is a powerful and versatile inside centre, blending the physicality of a loose forward with the vision and skill of a backline player. Standing at 1.85m and weighing approximately 95kg, he is a robust ball-carrier with the pace to exploit gaps and the strength to stay upright in contact.
