As excitement for the coming international season starts to build, the news that Scotland’s top try scorer Duhan van der Merwe will turn out for the Barbarians against the Springboks in Gqeberha on 20 June is an exciting one.
Van der Merwe, who was also named in the Scotland side to tour South Africa in July, might get the chance to face the country of his birth twice in a space of a few weeks, although he has not always been the first choice for coach Gregor Townsend of late.
Van der Merwe, who played for the Bulls’ junior teams before heading to Scotland, is the first big name announced for the Barbarians fixture and by all accounts it looks as if the composite side could put up a strong line-up for the match that kicks off the Bok international season.
But Van der Merwe isn’t the only player secured for the Barbarians, and counts his Edinburgh teammate D’arcy Rae among the Barbarians players already signed up - the move has been done in conjunction with Townsend to make sure both have game time before the July internationals.
And then there is a player South Africans will know well - former All Black TJ Perenara, who plays his rugby in Japan these days and will join up with the Barbarians for the Bok game and a game against Wales a week later.
There is also another player Bok fans will know well - the talented flyhalf Tomas Albanoz, who has starred for Argentina in the past and has given Springbok defences nightmares at times with his attacking play. Albanos now plays in the Top14, but used to be Benetton’s flyhalf and many SA fans will also remember him from there.
Also announced was Wallabies veteran Andrew Kellaway, who has featured in many a test for the Wallabies and is well-known to Bok fans, while Uruguay scrumhalf Santiago Arata is a rising star in South American rugby and will make his presence felt.
England prop Kyle Sinckler was also announced, but will only play in the second match against Wales and not against the Boks. Liam McConnell, who plays for Scotland and Edinburgh, will also only play against Wales.