Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says Japan-based Boks Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie and JP Pietersen would be available for the June Test window.
While Pietersen has returned from Japan to play Super Rugby for the Sharks, Du Preez and Fourie finished the season in Japan and are currently in their off-season.
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In an interview, Meyer revealed the trio would be available for the Test matches in June.
The Springboks start their year with a game against the World XV at Newlands on 7 June, followed by 2 Tests against Wales (Durban 14 June and Nelspruit 21 June) and 1 against Scotland (Port Elizabeth 28 June).
Meyer also revealed that scrumhalf Du Preez – who was only sporadically available during last year’s Rugby Championship – would be more readily available during this year’s event.
However, the Boks would be without the others for most of the Rugby Championship. Meyer said Fourie would only play a small part, while Pietersen and No 8 Ryan Kankowski would not be available for the tournament.
Another Japan-based Bok, lock Andries Bekker, is not available for the entire year.