Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe has been released from Gregor Townsend's squad ahead of next month's clash with New Zealand.

The 31-year-old will return to Edinburgh for Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against Benetton.

However, the decision is not a punishment or a sign that Van der Merwe has fallen out of favour.

Instead, Townsend wants the powerful winger to build his match fitness after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

Van der Merwe has played just 18 minutes this season, having only recently returned from an ankle injury.

His comeback against the Lions last Friday was cut short when he suffered a dislocated finger.

Thankfully, the injury is not as serious as first feared.

Speaking earlier this week, Townsend said: "It was a much better outcome than it looked at the time."

The Scotland boss also explained why players returning from injury would benefit from club rugby.

"For those guys coming back from injury, it's right that they can build on whatever minutes they had last week."

Van der Merwe remains part of Scotland's 37-man squad for the November

Five facts about Duhan van der Merwe you probably didn't know

1. He almost quit rugby aged 15

Van der Merwe almost walked away from rugby before his career had even begun.

The South African-born winger struggled during his teenage years and considered giving up the sport.

However, his older brother Akker, who went on to play for the Springboks, convinced him to keep going.

Akker helped him with extra training and gym sessions, believing his younger brother had the talent to make it.

2. He played against England in a World Cup final

Before representing Scotland, Van der Merwe played for South Africa at the 2014 Junior World Championship.

He featured in the final against an England side captained by Maro Itoje.

England won a thrilling contest 21-20, denying the winger a junior world title.

His South African teammates included future World Cup winners Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel.

3. He failed his Edinburgh medical

Van der Merwe's move to Edinburgh in 2017 nearly fell through before he had kicked a ball.

The winger failed his medical because of a hip problem following a difficult spell at Montpellier.

However, then-head coach Richard Cockerill decided to take a chance on him.

It proved an inspired decision, with Van der Merwe going on to become one of Edinburgh's most dangerous attacking players.

4. He played against his birth country for the Lions

Van der Merwe was born in George, South Africa, but qualified to represent Scotland through residency.

In 2021, he was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

Remarkably, he started all three Tests against the Springboks, the country he had previously represented at junior level.

The Lions lost the series 2-1, but Van der Merwe played every minute of the three Tests.

He was selected for another Lions tour in 2025.

5. He launched a whisky brand with a Scotland teammate

Away from rugby, Van der Merwe has also tried his hand at business.

He joined forces with fellow Scotland international Pierre Schoeman to launch a whisky brand called Hirundine.

Both players were born in South Africa before making Scotland their adopted rugby home.

The pair have become popular figures at Edinburgh, where Van der Merwe has committed his future until 2027.