Britz makes unexpected Boks return

SCHALK Britz has been sensationally added to the South Africa squad for the second Test with England on Saturday.

The 37-year-old was in the crows for the 42-39 Springboks victory at Ellis Park as he enjoyed his first summer since retiring from rugby after Saracens’ Aviva Premiership final win over Exeter Chiefs.

However, the hooker, whose last game at Allianz Park was against Wasps in mid-May, has been drafted into the South Africa squad ahead of the Bloemfontein Test.

A statement on South Africa Rugby’s Facebook page read: “Hooker Schalk Brits has been added to the Springbok squad and has already joined the group in Bloemfontein, it was confirmed on Monday. Rassie Erasmus, the Director of Rugby at SA Rugby, believes that Brits can play a similar role in the current Springbok setup such as experienced players Duane Vermeulen and Willie le Roux.

“We are busy with building experience, continuity and capacity towards the Rugby World Cup, so we want our young players rubbing shoulders with experienced players such as Duane, Vermeulen and Willie le Roux,” explained Erasmus.

“I want Schalk to perform a similar role, because he has extensive inside knowledge and plenty of experience from playing for Saracens in the English and European conditions. It’s a great way for our younger guys to learn the trade of international rugby from these guys.”

The Springbok team for the second Test in Bloemfontein will be named tomorrow.