South African-born Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe has opened up about his experience of touring his country of birth with the British & Irish Lions earlier this year.

Van der Merwe was part of the Lions squad that toured South Africa between July and August and played in all three Test matches against the Springboks, who won the series 2-1.

It completed a meteoric rise for the wing since leaving South Africa for Montpellier, joining Edinburgh and then making his Test debut for Scotland in 2020.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Van der Merwe spoke about the Lions tour, which was played in unique conditions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was probably the best eight weeks of my life,” Van der Merwe said, despite the Lions being on the end of a series loss.

“It was tough going over to South Africa in these times with Covid, but I found it easier to get to know the boys because you are stuck with them. After the first week, I was taking the p*** out of a few.

“The results didn’t go our way but it is seven or eight weeks I will never forget. Going on tour gives you a little more confidence, but I never came here thinking I was better than anyone else.”

Van der Merwe is set to turn out for the Worcester Warriors this season, having joined the English team from Edinburgh.

Photo: Craig Williamson/SNS