Aplon: BaaBaas a dream come true
Springbok Gio Aplon has described as 'a dream come true' his first call-up to the Barbarians squad.
Aplon and Wallaby legend George Smith are among the new additions to the BaaBaas squad for this month's matches against Ireland and England.
"Such a massive honour to be invited," Aplon said, adding: "Not only a huge privilege but also a dream come true."
Smith returns for the BaaBaas after previously being capped by the world famous club.
The Lyon flank is one of five players from five different countries named as the BaaBaas continues their 125th anniversary celebrations.
Head coach Robbie Deans has also added Aplon (who currently plays for Grenoble in France), Tonga prop Soane Tonga'uiha (Oyonnax), Uruguay lock Rodrigo Capo Ortega (Castres) and Japan No.8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Wild Knights) to his squad.
They join up with the likes of Joe Rokocoko, Adam Jones, Alex Cuthbert and Berrick Barnes for the matches against Ireland at Thomond Park on May 28 and an England XV at Twickenham on May 31.
Only Richie McCaw has won more caps as a flank than Smith, who made 111 appearances for the Wallabies from 2000 to 2013 and led the side from 2007-09.
He returns to Thomond Park in Barbarians colours for the second time, after scoring a try in the 29-23 win there in 2010 and has also appeared in the famous black and white shirt against England, Wales and New Zealand. Smith, who will be making his sixth appearance in the famous shirt, is joined by three more experienced forwards in the shape of Tonga'uiha, Ortega and Holani, and an elusive outside back in Aplon.
Powerful loosehead Tonga'uiha played a major role at Northampton Saints before switching to Racing Metro and then Oyonnax, who have impressed in the Top 14 this season.
Lock Capo Ortega, based at Castres since 2002, was recalled by Uruguay to help them beat Russia in the repechage to qualify for the World Cup, where they will face England in Pool A later this year.
Holani is Japan's established No.8 and they have won their last 11 games with him in their side, including victories over Samoa, Canada, United States and Italy.
Aplon appeared 17 times as a wing or fullback for South Africa in a spell that included wins away from home against Ireland and England. He moved from the Stormers to join Grenoble this season.
Such a massive honor to be invited @Barbarian_FC not only a huge privilege but also a dream come true.#hopeicandothejerseyproud #blessed
— Gio Aplon (@1GioAplon) May 13, 2015
More explosive than an Eastenders Christmas Special, the elusive pocket rocket @bokrugby @FCGrugby ‘s @1GioAplon #rugby #rugbyunited
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) May 13, 2015
Legend from land down under with cupboard full of caps & decades of breakdown mischief @QantasWallabies George Smith #rugby #rugbyunited
— Barbarian FC (@Barbarian_FC) May 13, 2015
