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Akker van der Merwe scored 31 tries in 70 appearances for the Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks have brought in Argentinian hooker Agustin Creevy to replace Akker van der Merwe, who has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons.
Creevy, 38, joins London Irish after three years after they were suspended in the Premier League.
South Africa international Van der Merwe, 32, who joined from the Sharks in 2019, played 70 times for Sale and scored 31 tries.
However, he agreed to an early release from his contract and made his way home.
Van der Merwe, the older brother of Scotland winger Duhan, played his last game for Sale in the Premiership final defeat by Saracens at Twickenham last month.
“We are sad to lose him. He’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done since I’ve been here,” said Sales Rugby director Alex Sanderson.
He told the club’s website: “Akker has played some of his best rugby games here and we think he’s grown into one of the best and most physical hookers in the world.”
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Agustin Creevy made 71 appearances in the Premier League during his spells with Worcester Warriors and London Irish
The arrival of Creevy provides Sale with a direct replacement for the outgoing Van der Merwe.
He is Argentina’s all-time cap with 97 appearances, has played for the Pumas at the last three World Cups and is in their squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Sale will be his third Premiership club after spells at Worcester Warriors and then London Irish.
Creevy said: “I want to finish my career with a team at the top and I think Sale are one of the biggest clubs in England and Europe.”
“I really think we can fight for big trophies this year.”
The veteran hooker has signed a one-year deal with the North West club after the Exiles went into administration and were suspended from the Premiership.
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