Kings turn to former Boks

The Southern Kings have named four former Springboks in their squad to face the British and Irish Lions on June 16.

Barry, van der Westhuyzen, Tyibilika and Fortuin named in Kings' squad

The Southern Kings have named four former Springboks in their squad to face the British and Irish Lions on June 16. Harlequins centre De Wet Barry has been named alongside Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Solly Tyibilika and Bevin Fortuin by the newly-formed Eastern Cape franchise. Springbok Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick and IRB World Series-winning team-mates Rayno Benjamin and Mpho Mbiyozo are also included in a side coached by Alan Solomons and assisted by Robbie Kempson. "We've tried to select a squad that will hopefully be competitive against the British and Irish Lions team," chief selectors Francois Davids said. "We are constantly looking at the future of rugby in the Eastern Cape and we've tried to select a good blend of experience and youth in our side. "There's probably going to be lots of questions regarding the selection of players such as De Wet Barry and Bevin Fortuin, but we selected them to ensure that we match the Lions physically too." Southern Kings - Backs: De Wet Barry, Ryno Benjamin, Tiger Mangweni, Wylie Human, Josh Fowles, Bevin Fortuin, Francois Hougaard, Mzwandile Stick, Elgar Watts, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Frikkie Welsh.
Forwards: Kevin Buys, Michael Coetzee, Jaco Engels, Derrick Kuun, Darron Nell, Sivuyile Kobokana, Henry Grimes, Solly Tyibilika, Mpho Mbiyozo, Lungile Payi, Ross Skeate, Heinrich Stride, Ruan Vermeulen, Michael Vermaak, Marco Wentzel, Simon Westraadt.