'Retired' Brits gets shock call-up by Springboks

Former Saracens 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.

The 37-year-old Brits retired from rugby after the 2017/2018 European club season after representing Saracens for a number of seasons.

Brits previously represented the Lions and the Stormers in Super Rugby.

The 37-year-old has made 10 Test appearances for South Africa, the last of which came at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Hooker Schalk Brits has been added to the Springbok squad and joined up with the group in Bloemfontein on Monday. @MTNza #LoveRugby pic.twitter.com/rZvFFfRb6s

— Springboks (@Springboks) June 11, 2018

“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.”

South Africa came from 21 points down to defeat England 42-39 in a thrilling first Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Erasmus cut seven players from his team – initially 43-men strong – in the aftermath, while Bulls prop Trevor Nyakane withdrew with a rib injury.

The Springbok team to face England in the second Test in Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium will be named on Thursday.

England themselves have made an addition to their squad at hooker.

Worcester Warriors’ Jack Singleton will join Eddie Jones’ squad on Monday as England’s third hooker to cover Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Singleton is called up as a precaution after the Exeter man experienced hamstring tightness following the first Test in Johannesburg.