Montgomery latest Springbok to head for Britain

Percy Montgomery is set to continue a Springbok exodus by joining Newport next week.

Montgomery, on Barbarians duty against Wales at the Millennium Stadium tonight, will follow the likes of Braam van Straaten, Japie Mulder, Pieter Rossouw, Andre Vos and Thinus Delport as British rugby’s latest South African recruit, provided there are no last-minute hitches.

The 28-year-old, among only four Springboks to have won 50 or more Test caps, says he feels in a ‘‘positive’’ mood about his likely Rodney Parade switch.

And that will be music to the ears of Newport’s millionaire backer Tony Brown, who saw Joost van der Westhuizen renege on a Black and Ambers deal last summer.

Delport, also in the Barbarians side tonight, beat Montgomery to the dotted line yesterday, when he signed a two-year contract with Gloucester.

While Newport fans will be keen for a glimpse of their potential new arrival, it is a game that has failed to capture the imagination.

With only around 10,000 tickets having been sold, it will lack the atmosphere of last Sunday’s Twickenham encounter, when 62,000 watched the Baa-baas lose 53-29 to England.

But one man and a dog would not deter recalled Wales lock Steve Williams from trying to make an impact.

Williams, who joins Northampton next season from London Irish, has been called up by Wales coach Steve Hansen for the Prudential tour clash.

Although the game is a non-cap fixture, it still represents Williams’ first appearance in a Welsh jersey since 1997.

And the 31-year-old lock hopes to make an impression ahead of Wales’ two-Test tour of South Africa next month, for which he has also been selected.

‘‘I knew that when I left Cardiff to join London Irish, my chances of getting back in the Welsh squad would be reduced,’’ he said.

‘‘But I just wanted to test myself in the English Premiership, and it has gone very well. Part of me can’t believe that I am back involved with Wales.’’

The injury-hit Barbarians have drafted three Zurich Premiership players into their side - Leicester centre Ollie Smith, Newcastle back Jamie Noon and London Irish skipper Ryan Strudwick - while Pat Lam skippers the team on his farewell appearance before retirement.

There are just two survivors from the starting line-up on duty at Twickenham - centre Pita Alatini and fly-half van Straaten.