CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 22: Schalk Brits laughs during the South Africa captain’s run at Newlands Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Schalk Brits: How a Barbarians stint could set him up for 2019 World Cup
Schalk Brits made a surprise return to international rugby earlier in the year. Now, he’s set to play for the Barbarians when they take on Argentina. Here’s everything you need to know as the veteran hooker prepares for Killik Cup clash.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 22: Schalk Brits laughs during the South Africa captain’s run at Newlands Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Schalk Brits surprised South Africa, as well as himself, when he sprung from retirement to play for the Springboks against England in Cape Town in June.
The dynamo hooker had only just called time on a stellar career in the front row, having played club rugby with English behemoths Saracens for nearly a decade.
Now he’s set to return to his homeland with retirement firmly on hold, ahead of a tilt at global honours in the green and gold.
But not before he’s stepped out for the famous Barbarians at Twickenham on December 1 in their Killik Cup tussle with Argentina.
Tickets from as little as £20* for Adults and £15*
Here’s the lowdown on the veteran forward, ahead of the surprise next chapter of his long career.
Brits switches back from Saracen to Barbarian
Which is suitably nomadic for the man who has played much of his career away from home soil.
Brits is set to step out in black and white on 1 December, 11 years to the day since his most famous appearance for the invitational club.
He starred for the Baa-Baas in a 22-5 win over his native Springboks, fresh from their 2007 Rugby World Cup win.
Matches against England, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions have all followed for the Barbarian regular.
A game against Los Pumas could now prove a fitting swansong for the Barbarians in the city where he made his home.
It’s a step towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup
In for a penny, in for a pound as Brits keeps his pipe and slippers under lock and key for a little while longer.
The hooker’s late taste of Test rugby action has whetted his appetite for more under his Springbok and Baa-baas coach, Rassie Erasmus.
And if you’re going to add to 11 caps for your country, you may as well do it on the grandest stage of all.
Brits and Erasmus aren’t the only South Africans in town
The Barbarians have a long history of tapping into Springboks talent with Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha, with his sensational kick for poles, among those to have featured.
This year’s Killik Cup clash with Argentina in London is no exception.
Eben Etzebeth, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira and Handre Pollard have already been announced as part of a star-studded line up to face Los Pumas in the English capital.
Wallabies scrum-half Willl Genia is also inked in, with more big names set to follow for a game that will be broadcast live on the BBC.
A Super Rugby comeback is expected to be next
Brits has called time on nine years at the sharp end of the English Premiership, which means he’s set for a southern hemisphere return.
The Stormers are favourites to re-sign the Paul Roos and Stellenbosch University product.
He has enjoyed two previous stints with the Cape Town franchise, as well as turning out for Western Province all the way back at the dawn of a career that just keeps giving.
Tickets from as little as £20* for Adults and £15*
