Springboks to face Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28

World champions South Africa will host the invitational Barbarians in their 2025 season opener in Cape Town on June 28, officials confirmed on Friday.

It is the first time in the 135-year history of the Barbarians they will play in South Africa, and will be coached by experienced New Zealander Robbie Deans, with former All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock an assistant.

The Springboks will use the fixture as preparation for their three home games in July, two of which are against Italy and the other versus Georgia.

For us this will be the perfect opportunity to get the players match-ready for the official international season, which starts a week later, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.

There is nothing like a proper international with the full build-up and the pressure to get the players battle ready, so this is a great occasion for us. REUTERS

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