Cardiff Blues sign Franco van der Merwe

Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of Ulster second-row Franco van der Merwe ahead of the 2017-18 season.

“Franco is a quality player, who will bring physicality and experience to the pack.  He’s been a standout leader and performer for Ulster over the last two seasons," commented Head Coach Danny Wilson.

“The average age of our pack is currently just 25 and part of Franco’s role will be to help develop our younger forwards whilst bringing physicality and a lineout presence on game day.

The former South Africa international joined Ulster in 2014 and has gone on to make 68 appearances for the Irish province.