Aplon back in Bok fold

South Africa have named veteran Gio Aplon in their squad for the November internationals, the speedy outside back’s call-up coming six years after he last played for the Springboks.

Also included by coach Rassie Erasmus are the uncapped trio of wing Sergeal Petersen, centre Ruhan Nel and lock JD Schickerling, who were all impressive in the domestic Currie Cup for losing finalists Western Province on Saturday.

Aplon, 36, plies his trade for Toyota Verblitz in Japan, but has extensive experience of playing in France with Grenoble and will cover the fullback and wing positions. He has 17 caps for the Boks, the last in 2012.

“Gio has a lot of experience of playing in the challenging European conditions from his club rugby stint in France,” Erasmus said in a media release.

Centres Lionel Mapoe and Lukhanyo Am, prop Tendai Mtawarira, scrumhalf Ross Cronje and wing Makazole Mapimpi were not considered due to injury.

The Boks start their tour against England at Twickenham on Saturday when Erasmus will field a home-based selection as the match falls outside of the international window.

It is followed by games against France, Scotland and Wales on consecutive Saturdays.

Bok squad: Forwards: Schalk Brits, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Trevor Nyakane, JD Schickerling, RG Snyman, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley Backs: Gio Aplon, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Wille le Roux, Ruhan Nel, Sbu Nkosi, Embrose Papier, Sergeal Petersen, Handre Pollard, Louis Schreuder, Ivan van Zyl, Damian Willemse.