Duhan van der Merwe and his wife, Nika, have confirmed that they are now officially British citizens on their Instagram accounts. It’s been long with the couple pushing for the citizenship change, but they could not do it so easily. Over the years, they have faced a lot of challenges in the process, but now they are officially citizens of the land that gave them so much.
Born and bred in South Africa, Merwe played for South Africa under-20 in 2014. A couple of years later, he played for the Blue Bulls in South Africa before moving to Montpellier, and finally Edinburgh and settled in Scotland. He played over a century of games for Edinburgh, started businesses, made friends, and did many other things, but remained a South African.
After so many years, pushing to get a British citizenship, the couple is head over the moon with joy.
DUHAN VAN DER MERWE SPEAKS AFTER CITIZENSHIP CHANGE
“Nine years ago, we arrived with a couple of suitcases, big dreams, and absolutely no idea just how much paperwork lay ahead of us 🥲” he started
“Since then, there have been countless visas, endless forms, more admin than we’d ever care to remember, a few setbacks, a lot of patience, and yes, quite a few tears along the way!. Today, we’re incredibly proud to say that we are OFFICIALLY BRITISH CITIZENS!!!! 🎉” he continued, announcing the news.
“Scotland has given us so much over the past nine years – friendships that feel like family, opportunities we could only have dreamed of, and a place that truly feels like home. Edinburgh, in particular, has become woven into the fabric of our lives. 🏴 Over the years, we’ve built businesses here, created communities here, and built a life that we’re deeply proud of. From growing women’s communities and bringing people together, to Duhan having the privilege of representing Scotland and the British & Irish Lions on the rugby field and wearing that jersey with his entire heart, this country has shaped us in ways we could never have imagined,” he continued, speaking of the challenges they faced in the process.
“Citizenship is just a piece of paper, but for us, it represents nearly a decade of building a life here, putting down roots, and becoming part of a community that welcomed us with open arms. We’re so grateful for the journey, so proud of how far we’ve come, and incredibly honoured to now call this place home in every sense of the word. Scotland, thank you!!!!! 😭🏴💙” he finished, thanking Scotland.
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