New Zealand Rugby chief explains early move to secure Tony Brown from 2028
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster has explained why the organisation moved quickly to secure Tony Brown as an All Blacks assistant coach from 2028.
Duhan van der Merwe included in Barbarians squad to face Springboks
The match forms part of an international season-opening double-header which will also feature the South African 'A' team taking on Zimbabwe.
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.
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 Boks once again in a Nations Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on 11 July.
Meanwhile, TJ Perenara, a former All Blacks vice-captain, is also in the squad and will bring 89 Tests worth of experience, flair and attacking instincts to the Barbarians squad.
Wallaby speedster Andrew Kellaway - who has 49 caps for Australia - is another big name will be joined in the backline by Argentinean flyhalf Tomas 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."
'My whole body went cold' - Edwill van der Merwe on life-changing Bok call-up
Springbok winger Edwill van der Merwe has opened up about the unforgettable moment he learned he had been selected for the national team.
Forwards Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie called up to Bok squad
Sharks star Phepsi Buthelezi and Bordeaux Begles behemoth Carlu Sadie have been called up to the Springboks training squad in Johannesburg.
Hot property: Tony Brown signs two-year contract with All Blacks from 2028
Following the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown will return home to take up a coaching position with the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2028.