Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis recalled by South Africa

Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis has been recalled to the South Africa squad for the four Tests against Wales and England in June.

Thirty-four-year-old Du Plessis won the last of his 79 caps at the 2015 World Cup but headlines an extensive squad for the Test against the Welsh in Washington, and three home internationals against England.

New coach Rassie Erasmus named three brothers in a 43-man squad, and the dropping of restrictions on the call-ups of overseas-based players sees scrum-half Faf de Klerk also return after his move to England last year.

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South Africa face Wales in Washington DC next Saturday, and then have three home internationals against the touring England team on June 9 (Johannesburg), June 16 (Bloemfontein) and June 23 (Cape Town).

There are 17 uncapped players in the expansive squad which is likely to see a second string head off on a lightning trip to the United States to play Wales while the first XV stay behind to prepare for England.

The new choices include 24-year-old flyhalf Robert du Preez, whose twin younger brothers Dan and Jean-Luc have already been capped by the Springboks. The trio play at the Sharks where their father Robert is the coach.

A new captain is due to be announced on Monday by Erasmus as injury has ruled out both Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth. The 2017 SA Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx is also out.

The four Tests present prop Tendai Mtawarira, who has 98 caps, with the chance to reach the milestone of 100 caps.

Erasmus said: " The coaching staff has done a lot of preparation and the players contribution in this process, during and after our three camps, has been tremendously positive

"We know Wales and England will be very thorough in their analysis and overall preparation and we have to be ready for them. The players know what we expect of them, and that they will have to work very hard in a short space of time to be ready for the Tests against Wales and England."

SQUAD: Backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), Aphiwe Dyantyi (Lions), Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel (both Bulls), Willie le Roux (Wasps), Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi (both Sharks), Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Stormers), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Frans Steyn (Montpellier), Robert du Preez (Sharks), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Handre Pollard (Bulls) Faf de Klere (Sale Sharks), Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl (both Bulls), Cameron Wight (Sharks)

Forwards: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe (all Stormers), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), Bismarck du Plessis (Montpellier), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Chilliboy Ralepelle, Akker van der Merwe (both Sharks), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Franco Mostert, Marvin Orie (both Lions), RG Snyman (Bulls), Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez (both Sharks), Siya Kolisi (Stormers), Oupa Mohoje (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Duane Vermeulen (Toulon). (Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Clare Fallon)