British-based pair boost South Africa

The Newport full-back Percy Montgomery and the Leicester fly-half Jaco van der Westhuyzen have confirmed to the South African Rugby Football Union that they are available for Springbok selection.

The Newport full-back Percy Montgomery and the Leicester fly-half Jaco van der Westhuyzen have confirmed to the South African Rugby Football Union that they are available for Springbok selection.

The news is a lift for their coach, Jake White, before the official announcement of the South Africa team for the first Test against Ireland in Bloemfontein on 12 June.

White said: "Although we cannot say for definite who is in the team yet, it is good to know that players of this calibre are available. This is great for South Africa."

Rotherham have begun reducing their wage bill before next season's return to National League One by declining to offer Mike Umaga, Neil Spence and Jacob Rauluni new contracts. The trio have made 304 league appearances and scored 58 tries between them.

Umaga hopes to find a player-coach position at another club. Rauluni might take up an offer of playing in Japan while Spence is ready for a move to the Continent.

The Titans endured a dismal return to the Premiership this season, failing to win a match.