Alvi van der Merwe
Full names: Albertus Viljoen
Date of birth: 14 Sep 1908
Place of birth: Rawsonville
Schools: Rondebosch Worcester Gimnasium
Springbok no: 221
Springbok debut province: Western Province
Date of death: 18 Sep 1986 (Age 78)
Test summary: Tests: 1 Tries: 0
Only test: 5 Dec 1931 Age 23 - Flank against Wales at St. Helens, Swansea
Tours Wales, Ireland, England & Scotland 1931-32
Test history:
DateAgePositionOpponentVenueResultScoreProvince
05 Dec 1931 23Flank Wales St. Helens, Swansea Win: 8-3  WP

A. VAN DER MERWE: 1931 United Tobacco Cigarette Card

Van der Merwe began his Rugby career at Worcester Boys' High School in 1923. The following year he went to Rondebosch High, and for two years was one of the best forwards in school Rugby. In 1927 he returned to Worcester where he has been the leading player ever since. Heavy, strong and fast, he quickly caught the eye of the selectors, and in 1928 he played for Western Province against the All Blacks.

Van der Merwe is a solid hard-working forward, who makes the most of his strengths and weight. Not withstanding this, he is very fast and never lags behind. He is 22 years old, weighs 200 lbs., and is 5 ft 10 ins. in height.