Overview
- Both clubs confirmed the signings on Tuesday, with the players set to arrive after the 2026 Currie Cup on two-year contracts.
- Glasgow added back-rower Ruwald van der Merwe, 27, who will join after the Currie Cup pending a visa as Franco Smith praised his carrying power and work rate.
- Harlequins secured tighthead prop Ruan 'Sampie' Swiegers, 27, with Jason Gilmore calling him a project player entering his peak years and a strong set-piece option.
- Each player rose through South Africa’s Varsity Cup university competition into the Pumas, with van der Merwe captaining the 2025 SA Cup winners and Swiegers leading NWU to the 2023 title before a Springbok alignment camp invite.
- The moves reflect British teams targeting South African forward depth and could fill specific needs, including Glasgow’s back row after Jack Dempsey’s planned switch to Japan.