Brive sign Springboks prop Van der Merwe

Top 14 side Brive have confirmed that they have captured some time Springboks prop Marcel van der Merwe from London Irish.

The 6'2, 120kg prop has penned a two year deal which will see him switch the Gallagher Premierhsip and London for the South-West of France.

The 31 year-old South African international – who has seven Springbok caps to his name – is no stranger to France, having played for La Rochelle and Toulon.

Previously, van der Merwe enjoyed successful stints back home in his homeland with the Cheetahs and the Bulls, before making just shy of 100 appearances at Toulon.

"I'm really excited about the idea of joining Brive and rediscovering the Top 14," he said in a club statement."I can't wait to arrive in the Correze for the challenge."

The experienced prop had been on the radar for Jake White at the Bulls, but will be sticking to Europe for the next two years at least.

Brive currently sit 12th on the Top 14 table.