International stars from across the globe, including Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara, and Andrew Kellaway, have been named in a glittering Barbarians squad to face the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 20 June.
The blockbuster match is part of an international season-opening double-header, which will also feature the South Africa ‘A’ team taking on Zimbabwe.
Van der Merwe — a former Junior Springbok wing who has since gone on to star for Scotland and the British & Irish Lions — will wear the famous black-and-white jersey for the first time. He will be joined on the tour to South Africa by fellow Scotland squad members D’Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell.
All three have been selected in close collaboration with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend to ensure they maintain vital match sharpness before returning to the Republic to face the Boks once again in the Nations Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July.
Perenara, a decorated former All Blacks vice-captain, will bring 89 Tests of international experience, tactical flair, and lethal attacking instincts to the Barbarians’ ranks.
Wallabies speedster Kellaway, who boasts 49 caps for Australia, will be joined in an expansive backline by Argentina fly-half Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata. Further star-studded squad announcements are expected to be made by the invitational club in due course.
Reflecting on his call-up, Van der Merwe said: “I can’t wait to join up with the Barbarians. 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 massive.
“The Barbarians are a rugby institution and have some incredibly tough Tests coming up. To play for them against the reigning world champions on their own soil will be a massive challenge, and it’s one I’m really looking forward to.”
