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Ending weeks of speculation, Newcastle Falcons have at last confirmed the signing of Canadian wing DTH van der Merwe for the 2017-18 season. While details have not been made public, it’s believed the World Cup star has signed a three-year deal with the Aviva Premiership club.
This will be the fourth European home for the highly-rated outside back, having enjoyed a six-year stay in Scotland with Glasgow Warriors prior to his current two-year deal in Wales. He had a brief stay with Saracens following the 2007 World Cup but did not make an Aviva Premiership appearance at that time.
Newcastle have made significant headway this season, currently sitting in 7th place on the Premiership table after defeating Northampton Saints on the weekend. It represents a big step up from the 11th place finish in each of the last three seasons. In recent days they have also announced the signings of Fijian international Josh Matavesi and French star Maxime Mermoz to boost the midfield, with more prominent names expected to be announced before the end of the season.
van der Merwe will be the second Canadian international to take up residence at Kingston Park next season. Second row Evan Olmstead is in the first of a two-year deal with the club, while there are five further Americas players on their books. Argentine brothers Santiago and Juan Pablo Socino, utility back Belisario Agulla, new US Eagles cap Nick Civetta, and Chicago-born prop Paddy Ryan are all at the club, though only Juan Pablo is currently contracted through next season.
