Former Stormers wing Gerhard van den Heever has been included in coach Jamie Joseph’s Japan squad as they gear up to face the British and Irish Lions in a preparation for the UK team’s tour of South Africa.
Joseph named a 52-man training squad, with Van den Heever, 32, one of four South Africans in it.
The others are fellow newcomer Shane Gates and regulars Lappies Labuschagne and Wimpie van der Walt.
Naming his squad, Joseph says: “I am very excited about our upcoming challenge against the British and Irish Lions.
“Since the World Cup we’ve had players who have retired from international rugby or who have made themselves unavailable for selection for personal reasons.
“This creates an opportunity for new players to put their best foot forward and show they can play at international level.”