Rokocoko, Louw in Barbarians squad

The Barbarians squad that will take on the British & Irish Lions has been announced.

The Baabaas squad includes three South Africans – Bath loose forward Francois Louw, Munster prop BJ Botha and London Wasps lock Marco Wetnzel.

James Hook, Dwayne Peel and Matthew Rees make up the three Welsh players who also feature in the squad.

Former All Blacks Nick Evans and Joe Rokocoko are also in the set-up, with France’s Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy will provide some experience to the team.

The Zimbabwean-born speedster for the USA, Takudzwa Ngwenya, is also featured, and should pose a threat out wide.

Italian stars Sergio Parisse, Martin Castrogiovanni and Alessandro Zanni will also make appearances in the black and white jersey.

Barbarians team manager Derek Quinnell also said that more names will be added to the star-studded Barbarians lineup.

The Barbarians kick-off their tour against England at Twickenham on 26 May before flying to Hong Kong for the historic encounter against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday 1 June.

Barbarians squad:

Backs: Jared Payne, Rowan Varty, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Joe Rokocoko, James Hook, Nick Evans, Kahn Fotuali’i, Dwayne Peel, Dimitri Yachvili.
Forwards: Duncan Jones, BJ Botha, Paul James, Martin Castrogiovanni, Matthew Rees, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Marco Wentzel, Jim Hamilton, Francois Louw, Sam Jones, Alessandro Zanni, Sergio Parisse, Imanol Harinordoquy.

Coach: David Young
Player/Assistant coach: Mike Tindall.