Springbok and Bath loose forward Francois Louw is one of three South Africa players included in the Barbarians squad to take on England and the British and Irish Lions.
The other two South Africans included in the squad are Munster prop BJ Botha and London Wasps lock Marco Wentzel.
rugby365
In addition to the three Springbok internationals there are three Welsh former British and Irish Lions in the squad: James Hook, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Rees.
There are a number of other international players including Nick Evans and Joe Rokocoko from New Zeland, Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy from France as well as the lightning quick Takudzwa Ngwenya from the United States Eagles.
Three of Italy’s most experienced players have made themselves available for these two fixtures which include inspirational captain Sergio Parisse, fan-favourite Martin Castrogiovanni and experienced flank Alessandro Zanni.
In the best Barbarians’ tradition two uncapped players have been invited – Kiwi fullback Jared Payne, currently with Ulster after several seasons of Super Rugby with the Crusaders and Blues, and former England Under-20 flanker Sam Jones of London Wasps.
Team manager Derek Quinnell said: “Our selection process has taken several months and is still not quite complete. Over the next week or so we will be monitoring the domestic play-off matches in Europe and the various national squads for the summer tours.
“Also, one or two players in the squad announced today may not be available for both of our matches so we expect to add other significant names to the team in the near future,” Quinnell mentioned.
London Wasps’ Director of Rugby David Young will coach the Barbarians side for the first game and will be assisted by former England international and current Gloucester player Mike Tindall – who will also be involved in playing for the Barbarians.
The Barbarians kick-off their tour against England at Twickenham on 26 May before flying to Hong Kong for the historic encounter against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday 1 June.
Barbarians squad:
Backs: Jared Payne, Rowan Varty, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Joe Rokocoko, James Hook, Nick Evans, Kahn Fotuali’i, Dwayne Peel, Dimitri Yachvili.
Forwards: Duncan Jones, BJ Botha, Paul James, Martin Castrogiovanni, Matthew Rees, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Marco Wentzel, Jim Hamilton, Francois Louw, Sam Jones, Alessandro Zanni, Sergio Parisse, Imanol Harinordoquy.
Coach: David Young
Player/Assistant coach: Mike Tindall.