Akker van der Merwe, Kwagga Smith, Ruan Ackermann, Robert du Preez and Schalk van der Merwe have been included in the Barbarians squad to face the Springboks on 5 November.

The Lions trio as well as the Stormers flyhalf and Montpellier prop have been invited by the Barbarians for their three matches against the Springboks, the Czech Republic and Fiji, and will join a host of top players from around the world.

Barbarians coach Robbie Deans welcomed the latest additions to the squad.

‘This is a talented group of young men with the potential to play at the very highest level, and they will all be hungry to impress in their time with the Barbarians.

‘Alongside the more experienced players in the squad, we should have a very competitive group.’

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images