International stars from across the world, including Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara and Andrew Kellaway have been named in the Barbarians squad to will face the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday, 20 June, as part of an international season-opening double-header which will also feature the South African ‘A’ team taking on Zimbabwe.
Tickets are still available here: https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/.
Van der Merwe, a former Junior Springbok wing who has played 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 SA by fellow Scotland squad players D’Arcy Rae and Liam McConnell.
Locked in! Duhan van der Merwe and TJ Perenara have been confirmed for the @Barbarian_FC's clash with the #Springboks in Gqeberha - more here: https://t.co/ehyhBb9duN 💪
— Springboks (@Springboks) June 9, 2026
Tickets here: https://t.co/VyvfllozDP 🎟️#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/JT0JerfKQe
All three have been selected in collaboration with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend to ensure they have game time before they return to South Africa to face the Bosk once again in Nations Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July.
Perenara, a former All Blacks vice-captain, will bring 89 tests worth of experience, flair and attacking instincts to the Barbarians squad.
Wallaby speedster Kellaway, who has 49 caps for Australia, will be joined in the backline by Argentinean flyhalf Tomás Albornoz and Uruguay scrumhalf Santiago Arata. Further squad announcements will be made in due course.
Van der Merwe said: “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 massive.
“The Barbarians is a rugby institution and have some tough tests coming. To play for them against the World Champions will be a massive challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”