Duhan van der Merwe set to return from injury ahead of Lions tour

In Scotland, rugby player Duhan van der Merwe is poised for a return to action following an ankle injury. The 29-year-old suffered this injury during a match where he had to leave the field early. A scan conducted recently indicated that the injury is not severe. Following the scan, Edinburgh Rugby announced that he is expected to be back in action sometime in May. This timeline aligns with the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, raising hopes for his selection to the squad. The team's coach, Andy Farrell, will announce the squad on May 8, and Van der Merwe's recovery will determine his inclusion. Further contributing to this situation, Van der Merwe is among the key players for Edinburgh, who are also vying for playoffs in the United Rugby Championship (URC). The scheduling of Edinburgh's final regular URC match for May 16 strategically ties in with his injury recovery, affording him the chance to regain match fitness before summer fixtures commence. Meanwhile, the team’s prospects hinge on both his form and performance during these crucial matches. Additionally, Van der Merwe's fellow Scottish player Sione Tuipulotu is also recovering from an injury of his own, adding to the narrative surrounding player fitness ahead of a major international tour.