LONDON, May 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The Barbarians will break new ground when they play a match in South Africa for the first time by taking on the world champion Springboks in Cape Town on June 28.

The fixture will be the ninth between the Barbarians and the Springboks and the first since November 2016, when the teams were involved in a 31-31 draw at London's Wembley Stadium.

The Barbarians, rugby union's most famous invitational side will again be coached by Robbie Deans, with the veteran New Zealander set to select a multi-national squad that will be announced in due course.

"We are hopeful of putting together a combination that will provide the sort of spectacle that the occasion deserves," said Deans in a Barbarians statement.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus added the match would be ideal preparation ahead of his team's July internationals against Italy (two Tests) and Georgia.

"It's always exciting to face the BaaBaas, and this match will be particularly special as it marks the first time that we will face them in South Africa," said Erasmus.

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