British and Irish Lions

South African captain John Smit will hope to sign off from his French adventure in style this Saturday as Clermont Auvergne take on Toulouse in the final of the Top 14 at the Stade de France.

Smit, who led his country to World Cup glory at the same stadium in November of last year, is returning home in time to face the Lions in what is already a hugely-anticipated Test series next summer.

The 30-year-old hooker is expected to join the Sharks after Saturday's final (kick-off 6.45pm BST) following a single season in France.

Smit missed the Springboks' last Test match against Italy but was involved in the previous two summer encounters with Wales, taking his total number of caps to 77. South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has already stated that Smit will remain captain for the clash with the Lions, with the First Test now less than a year away.

The lure of the Lions is clearly having an impact on Springbok contract decisions, with South Africa's most-capped full back Percy Montgomery moving from Perpignan to Western Province and scrum-half Fourie du Preez turning down an offer to join Cardiff Blues in favour of staying with current outfit the Bulls.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.