9 Apr 2014

Springboks to play World XV in June

9:33 am on 9 April 2014

The former South Africa rugby coach Nick Mallett will take charge of a World XV made up European-based club players in a game against the Springboks in June.

Former All Blacks Hosea Gear and Carl Hayman, Australians James O'Connor, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell and Frenchmen Julien Bonnaire and Francois Trinh-Duc have been named on a list of early acceptances for the match on June 7th in Cape Town.

Springbok World Cup winner BJ Botha and Toulon-based England back-rower Steffon Armitage are also among confirmed participants.

The Springboks other June internationals are against Wales and Scotland.

South Africa will play 14 games this year before a shortened four-game 2015 Rugby Championship provides the final warm-up before the World Cup.