Baa-Baas Unleash Blockbuster Squad Against The Springboks

International stars from across the globe, including Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara and Andrew Kellaway, have been named in the Barbarians squad set to face the Springboks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June.

The fixture forms part of an international season-opening double-header, which will also feature the South Africa ‘A’ team taking on Zimbabwe.

Tickets are still available at: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/

Van der Merwe, a former Junior Springbok wing who has gone on to represent Scotland and the British & Irish Lions, will wear the famous black-and-white Barbarians jersey for the first time. He will be joined on the tour by fellow Scotland players D’Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell.

All three players have been selected in collaboration with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend to ensure they receive valuable game time before returning to South Africa to face the Springboks once again in a Nations Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July.

Perenara, the former All Blacks vice-captain, brings 89 Test caps’ worth of experience, flair and attacking instinct to the Barbarians squad.

Wallabies speedster Kellaway, who has earned 49 caps for Australia, will be joined in the backline by Argentina flyhalf Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay scrumhalf Santiago Arata. Further squad announcements are expected in due course.

Van der Merwe expressed his excitement at the opportunity to represent the famous invitational side.

“I can’t wait to join up with the Barbarians this summer. It is a massive honour and opportunity to represent them. It’s something I’ve always wanted to be part of, so to get this opportunity is huge.

“The Barbarians are a rugby institution and have some tough tests coming up. To play against the world champions in a Barbarians jersey will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”