Three former tourists could line-up against the British & Irish Lions in the Hong Kong Test match against the Barbarians.
The famous invitational club have announced 22 players who will form the nucleus of the touring party to face England and then Warren Gatland’s Lions on June 1.
And it includes former Lions Dwayne Peel (2005), James Hook (2009) and Matthew Rees (2009).
The star-studded squad includes players from 10 different nationalities with All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Nick Evans, Italy captain Sergio Parisse, Springbok Francois Louw and Samoa’s Kahn Fotuali’i all included.
As per tradition the Baa-Baas have also named two uncapped players – Ulster’s Kiwi full-back Jared Payne and Wasps’ England under-20 flanker Sam Jones.
"Our selection process has taken several months and is still not quite complete,” said team manager Derek Quinnell.
“Over the next week or so we will be monitoring the domestic play-off matches in Europe and the various national squads for the summer tours.
"Also, one or two players in the squad announced today may not be available for both of our matches so we expect to add other significant names to the team in the near future."
The Barbarians kick-off their tour against England at Twickenham on 26 May before jetting to Hong Kong for the historic encounter with Warren Gatland’s Lions on Saturday 1 June.
Backs
Jared Payne (Ulster), Rowan Varty (DeA Tigers & Hong Kong), Takudzwa Ngwenya (Bairritz Olympique & USA), Joe Rokocoko (Bayonne & New Zealand), James Hook (Perpignan & Wales), Nick Evans (Harlequins & New Zealand), Kahn Fotuali'i (Ospreys & Samoa). Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks & Wales), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz Olympique & France)
Forwards
Duncan Jones (Ospreys & Wales), B J Botha (Munster & South Africa), Paul James (Bath Rugby & Wales), Martin Castrogiovanni (Leicester & Italy), Matthew Rees (Scarlets & Wales), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Benetton Treviso & Italy), Marco Wentzel (London Wasps & South Africa), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester Rugby & Scotland). Francois Louw (Bath Rugby & South Africa), Sam Jones (London Wasps), Alessandro Zanni (Benetton Treviso & Italy), Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais & Italy), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique & France)
Coach
David Young
Player/Assistant coach
Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby & England)
