Cian Healy and Shannon Frizell have been confirmed as the latest additions to the Barbarians squad for the match against the Springboks in Cape Town on 28 June.
The fixture will mark the first time South Africa faces the Barbarians on home soil. The invitational side, coached by Robbie Deans, already includes Sam Cane, Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray.
Healy, 37, retired from international rugby earlier this year after earning 137 caps for Ireland. He also holds the record for most appearances for Leinster and was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured Australia in 2013. The veteran prop, known for his ability to cover both sides of the scrum, remains a key figure in Leinster’s URC campaign.
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Frizell has 33 Test caps for New Zealand and featured in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris. The 31-year-old loose forward now plays for Toshiba Brave Lupus, who claimed back-to-back Japan Rugby League One titles after defeating the Kubota Spears in the final on Sunday.
Deans welcomed the inclusion of both players, pointing to their positional versatility and understanding of the game at the highest level.
“When putting a squad together, we look for players who bring experience, combinations and understand what it means to represent the Barbarians,” said Deans. “Cian has played with Conor and Peter at international level and can slot in at both loosehead and tighthead. Shannon is powerful in the back row and has played with Sam Cane for the All Blacks.”
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The Boks recently completed a second alignment camp ahead of their mid-year Test schedule. With the URC playoffs underway, the national squad will assemble for a training camp in the coming weeks.
Photo: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
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