Kings prop out for the season
Following assessments over the past week, the 26-year-old will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday on the shoulder he injured in the Southern Kings' defeat to the Lions two weeks ago.
Van der Merwe will be ruled out of action for the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
Wing Alshaun Bock will be monitored closely following surgery on his biceps that cut his participation in the match against the Lions short a fortnight ago.
Utility back Ntabeni Dukisa, who injured his shoulder in his debut match against the Lions, is also being closely monitored while undergoing rehabilitation on the shoulder.
The Southern Kings are happy to have season captain Schalk Ferreira (biceps) and scrumhalf Rudi van Rooyen back to full fitness.
Fullback Masixole Banda, who missed out of action in the Southern Kings' previous two matches, has made some good progress with the hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines.
The Southern Kings returned to training at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday following a two-week break since their last Super Rugby match.
The coaches and players began preparations in earnest for the next Vodacom Super Rugby fixture – a trip to Argentina – where they will face the Jaguares on June 30.
