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London - Former Rugby World Cup-winning former Springbok skipper John Smit will captain Saracens against the SA Barbarians, coached by former Springbok coach Nick Mallett, in his last game as a professional player before he retires.
Speaking to Saracens' website, Smit said the event would generate funds for the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson fund, which supports individuals injured while playing rugby.
“A match between Saracens and the South African Barbarians is a fitting conclusion to my career. The South African Barbarians will have a number of young players in their team and it’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on the European stage,” Smit said.
Smit, set to return to South Africa to take up a role as the new CEO of the Sharks, said he was looking forward to coming home to Durban.
“It’s quite emotional to consider that something that has been at the very centre of my life for so long is suddenly about to end, but my family and I are looking forward to going back to Durban and the new challenge that is waiting for me at the Sharks.”
The South African Barbarians squad is made up mostly of emerging South African talent currently playing in Europe and South Africa.
The match will take place at the Honourable Artillery Company, in the heart of the City of London on Thursday, May 16.
South African Barbarians squad:
Lukhanyo Am (Eastern Province), Rob Andrew (Leicester Tigers), Max Ashcroft (Bath), Don Barrell (Bedford Blues), Stephan Kekana (Eastern Province), Simon Kerrod (Sharks), Doppies La Grange (Benetton Treviso), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanians), Shaun Malton (Nottingham), Ben Pienaar (Moseley), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Bayonne), Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Bees Roux (Benetton Treviso), Nick Schonert (Griquas), Dewald Senekal (Biarritz), Matt Turner (England 7s), GJ van Velze (Northampton Saints), Darryl Veenendaal (Bedford Blues), Brandon Walker (Gloucester), Jeff Williams (England 7s), Matt Williams (Northampton Saints), Vainon Willis (Blue Bulls)
Speaking to Saracens' website, Smit said the event would generate funds for the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson fund, which supports individuals injured while playing rugby.
“A match between Saracens and the South African Barbarians is a fitting conclusion to my career. The South African Barbarians will have a number of young players in their team and it’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talents on the European stage,” Smit said.
Smit, set to return to South Africa to take up a role as the new CEO of the Sharks, said he was looking forward to coming home to Durban.
“It’s quite emotional to consider that something that has been at the very centre of my life for so long is suddenly about to end, but my family and I are looking forward to going back to Durban and the new challenge that is waiting for me at the Sharks.”
The South African Barbarians squad is made up mostly of emerging South African talent currently playing in Europe and South Africa.
The match will take place at the Honourable Artillery Company, in the heart of the City of London on Thursday, May 16.
South African Barbarians squad:
Lukhanyo Am (Eastern Province), Rob Andrew (Leicester Tigers), Max Ashcroft (Bath), Don Barrell (Bedford Blues), Stephan Kekana (Eastern Province), Simon Kerrod (Sharks), Doppies La Grange (Benetton Treviso), Stefan Liebenberg (Old Albanians), Shaun Malton (Nottingham), Ben Pienaar (Moseley), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (Bayonne), Ethienne Reynecke (Connacht), Bees Roux (Benetton Treviso), Nick Schonert (Griquas), Dewald Senekal (Biarritz), Matt Turner (England 7s), GJ van Velze (Northampton Saints), Darryl Veenendaal (Bedford Blues), Brandon Walker (Gloucester), Jeff Williams (England 7s), Matt Williams (Northampton Saints), Vainon Willis (Blue Bulls)
