Warrick Gelant insists his focus is entirely on the Barbarians and not on recapturing a Springbok jersey when the invitational side faces South Africa in Gqeberha on June 20.
The utility back, the only Springbok in the BaaBaas squad, has been out of the Test picture since August 2022, when he last featured against the Wallabies in Adelaide. Since then he has remained central to the Stormers and had a stint with Racing 92 in the Top 14.
"I could never see representing the Barbarians as a trial match to get back into the Bok setup," Gelant said. "If I do that, it would take away from this experience with the BaaBaas."
Gelant acknowledged the selection dynamic plainly: "There are obviously roles and responsibilities from the selectors who they feel will suit their game best. To be in that eyeline is not the responsibility of the BaaBaas selectors."
He is also relishing the coaching influence available to him. He singled out Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi — "a player I grew up watching" — for his experience in controlling a game through kicking, running and passing, and praised Crusaders-turned-All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson for his accessibility. "There are things I can take back that I learnt from him to the Stormers or teach younger players," Gelant said.