Sam Cane set for international swansong against Springboks

Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane been selected for the Barbarians to take on world champions South Africa in Cape Town in June.

The flanker, who retired from Test rugby at the end of 2024, has just completed his first season with Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan Rugby League One.

The 104-cap All Black will be joined by two other Test centurions in the squad – fromer Ireland captain Peter O’Mahony and his compatriot Conor Murray.

The Munster duo, who have played the bulk of their careers alongside one another for club, country and the British and Irish Lions, announced their retirements from Test rugby at the end of this year’s Guinness Six Nations.

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The pair have also announced their departure from Munster at the end of the season, with the flanker retiring from professional rugby and the scrum-half linked with a move to Racing 92 in the Top 14.

O’Mahony and Murray already have a trip to South Africa booked in, with Munster facing the Sharks in Durban on May 31 in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals in what could be potentially be their final ever appearance in red.

The trio are the only players announced thus far, and will bring 352 caps-worth of experience to the side that will run out at DLH Stadium on June 28 to take on the Boks.

Barbarians head coach Robbie Deans said: “We are in the process of finalising a really exciting squad for the match against the Springboks in Cape Town at the end of June. It will be a blend of high profile global international stars, and other stand out performers from European clubs, Super Rugby and the Japanese league.

“Peter and Conor have been an integral part of the Irish team for nearly 15 years and both have amassed over hundred caps for their country and represented the British & Irish Lions on a number of tours. Sam is also a Test centurion, played in the last three Rugby World Cups and captained the All Blacks from 2020-2023.

“All three players experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable during the week both on and off the field and I am delighted they have agreed to play for the Barbarians in this historic game.”

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said: “They’ve named the first three players who will be running out onto the pitch – Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray and Sam Cane – and we have no doubt they will name several more top-class players in the coming weeks, so this match will set the tone for us to switch into full-out competitive mode from the outset.

“I’ve worked with Peter and Conor before and we know Sam very well – they are world class players and will provide us with a great test at the start of a big season.

“We are very excited about the season ahead, and as a team, we are blessed to enjoy such passionate support from our fans throughout the country. We are busy putting the building blocks in place for the season, which starts in a little over a month against the Barbarians.”