Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Jaque Fourie will make a return to international rugby when he plays for the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions later this year.

According to the British and Irish Lions' website, the team will play a warm-up game against the BaaBaas in Hong Kong on June 1.

The game will be part of the Lions' preparation for their tour of Australia in June/July.

The 30-year-old Fourie last year made himself unavailable for the Springboks for at least two years and currently plies his trade with the Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers in Japan.

The veteran Bok, who helped the Barbarians beat New Zealand in 2009, was among the first five players to be unveiled by the BaaBaas management on Wednesday.

He will be joined by Italian duo Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni, French No 8 Imanol Harinordoquy and Samoan scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'I as the Invitational XV face the Lions a week after taking on England at Twickenham. The

Fourie will be out to continue his fine form against the British & Irish Lions. He scored a crucial try six minutes from the end of the second Test in Pretoria as the then world champion Springboks ran out 28-25 winners in a sensational encounter that saw them seal the 2009 series.

The Barbarians will be coached by triple Lions tourist Dai Young, who is the current Director of Rugby at English club London Wasps.

Young was part of the Lions' last victorious adventure in Australia 24 years ago and then returned to the country with Graham Henry's 2001 squad as the Wallabies gained revenge with a 2-1 series success.

The Welshman also tasted glory with the Lions in South Africa in 1997 - the last time the Lions won a series.