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'I’m in better nick than when I was playing' - Schalk Brits on his continued comeback

Schalk Brits called up by Barbarians. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Schalk Brits has had one of rugby’s shortest retirements and his comeback continues.

Although still without a club, he has been selected to play for the Barbarians in their Killik Cup match against Argentina on December 1st at Twickenham.

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The Baabaas will be coached by Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus, someone who played a vital role in his retirement u-turn.

“I missed rugby so much I’ve changed my mind,” Brits told the Barbarians website.

“I got a call from Rassie with reference to keep being involved until the next World Cup. After the June tests I still want to keep on playing and I’ve postponed work and my studies until after then,” Brits said.

The match against Argentina is all part of his strategy to stay in shape to give himself the best possible opportunity to be selected for the South Africa squad at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Brits was due to retire following Saracens Premiership success last May, it was his fourth league title with the club, to go with the two Champions Cup medals he also won under Mark McCall at Sarries.

But he hasn’t looked back since he decided to continue playing.

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“A friend said to me recently, ‘what’s the difference between being 37 and 38?’ It’s a fantastic opportunity and an honour whenever you play for the Springboks so I’ll be trying to stay in contention.

“I’ve been staying on top of things and I’m in better nick than when I was playing. You get the chance to rehabilitate properly and I’m feeling fantastic and can’t wait to play again. I enjoyed playing against England at Newlands but we lost that Test so I hope the next time will bring a better result.”

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Brits won’t be the only Springbok in the Barbarians squad, with outhalf Handre Pollard and Eben Etzebeth confirmed. Wallaby scrum half Will Genia has also agreed to play.

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Brits in the Barbarians squad which beat newly-crowned World Cup champions South Africa 22-5 in 2007. He also played against England, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. His most recent appearance was in May 2017 when he was named on the bench in a 28-14 defeat against England.

“Being part of the Barbarians was one of the best rugby experiences I’ve ever had — in terms of pure entertainment and meeting guys you normally bash week-in, week-out it’s outstanding,” Brits added.

“My first experience was in 2007 against South Africa after they’d just won the World Cup and we smashed them. In all it was a great week. You have to give your best at the weekend when it comes to the crunch and earn the respect of your teammates.

Watch: All Blacks reflect on comeback win over Springboks

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PM 50 minutes ago
Why Henry Pollock's x-factor could earn him a Lions Test start

Nick,

I am a long suffering England fan, who has had to endure watching 4 years of dull rugby, poor selections and painful defeats. Steve Borthwick talks about GPS and picks squads by numbers and then we put in a poor performance on the pitch - it’s been a consistent trend.


Something changed in the Six Nations and we totally changed our style (literally overnight) and played some really good footie, which finally felt like positive rugby for a change.


Genge has regained his pore-Covid form and is looking back to his best and is head and shoulders above Porter.


Chessum has had a good year and hasn’t played a poor International game this season.


Tom Curry was outstanding in the 6 Nations but they have been playing him at 6, wheras he is better at 7 and is lethal at the breakdown.


Tom Willis was brought into the starting team at 8 and has been one of the best England players over the last year, who should have been on this Lions tour at 8. Earl had his best game since 2020 last week - not sure 1 game warrants Lions selection over a poor combination side and he is certainly second choice for his club 7 country behind Willis.


Pollock will be a good player but like all young emerging players, he is inconsistent and can go quiet in games, which is why Curry should be the starter at 7. He brings energy to games, which is why he is good from the bench but there is an argument to say he is the 5th best England openside (Curry x2, Underhill & Earl are currently better) but will improve over the next 5 years. We just need to stop the media building him up for a fall, let him play and develop and you will see a sensational Henry Pollock for the Lions in 4 years time.


Lions will be too powerful over 80 mins, so doesn’t really matter who they pick. Just please don’t put too much hype on Pollock. His 20 mins of International rugby going into this tour were positive but the media caused a frenzy and no other player would be selected on this basis.


Let’s enjoy the rugby and give Pollock the space and time he requires.

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