The Barbarians are gearing up for a fiery showdown with the Springboks on June 20 in Gqeberha, packing their squad with a lineup of international heavyweights, including the standout South African winger, Duhan van der Merwe. Joining him are rugby luminaries such as TJ Perenara from New Zealand, Australia's Andrew Kellaway, and England's Kyle Sinckler.
This eclectic mix of talent is set to take the field under the guidance of coaches Scott Robertson and Felipe Contepomi. Van der Merwe, a sensation on the wing with 35 tries from 53 Tests for Scotland, will don the iconic Barbarians' black-and-white for the first time, despite seeing limited action in this year’s Six Nations.
"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. To play for them against the world champions will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to,"
said Van der Merwe.Perenara, bringing a wealth of experience with 89 Test caps, is expected to infuse the Barbarian's squad with his notorious flair and attacking prowess. Meanwhile, the speedy Kellaway, with 49 caps for the Wallabies, will bolster the backline alongside Argentina's flyhalf Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay's scrumhalf Santiago Arata. Sinckler, a stalwart in the front row with 79 caps for England and seven for the British & Irish Lions, will add considerable strength to the pack.
Further announcements regarding the squad are anticipated as the match date approaches. The team list currently includes Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara, Kyle Sinckler, Tomás Albornoz, Andrew Kellaway, Santiago Arata, D’Arcy Rae, and Liam McConnell.
The stage is set for a monumental clash in Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where rugby history and the spirit of the game will come alive under the banner of the Barbarians.