Former New Zealand captain Sam Cane named for Barbarians

Three Test centurions will line up for the Barbarians in Cape Town when the Springboks kick off their season against the international outfit.

Sam Cane, the All Blacks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup captain, will be joined by Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray in the BaaBaas line-up on Saturday, 28 June.

The three veterans, who have 352 Tests between them, will also wear the famous black and white Barbarians shirt for the first time.

Barbarians feature quality

O’Mahony played the first of his 114 Tests for Ireland in 2012, captained the side from flanker and was a member of their squad in five Six Nations championship victories. He also played one Test for the British & Irish Lions, against New Zealand in 2017.

Murray, like O’Mahony a stalwart of Irish giants Munster, made his Test debut in 2011. He’s played 125 Tests for Ireland and eight for the British & Irish Lions. The experienced scrumhalf featured in all three Tests against the Boks in Cape Town in 2021.

Cane, who won the World Cup in 2015, plays with Cheslin Kolbe at Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan. The flanker is a former All Blacks captain who made his Test debut in 2012 and finished his international career with 104 caps.

“I’ve worked with Peter and Conor before, and we know Sam very well. They are quality players with a lot of experience, which will serve as a great test at the start of a big season,” said Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.

“We are very excited about the season ahead, and as a team, we are blessed to enjoy such passionate support from our fans throughout the country.”

Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans said they were in the process of finalising a “really exciting squad”. It would blend international stars and standout performers from European clubs, Super Rugby and the Japanese league.

“All three players’ experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable during the week both on and off the field and I am delighted they have agreed to play for the Barbarians in this historic game,” Deans said.

Springbok home fixtures 2025

28 June: Barbarians v SA – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

July Tests:

5 July: SA v Italy – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: SA v Italy – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: SA v Georgia – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Rugby Championship:

16 August: SA v Australia – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
23 August: SA v Australia – Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
27 September: SA v Argentina – Kings Park, Durban