Inspirational Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Colin Bourke has earned selection for the British Barbarians to play South Africa at Twickenham, England on December 4.

Colin Bourke is to play against South Africa at Twickenham for the British Barbarians.

The Barbarians Football Club dates back to 1890 when Williams Percy Carpmael established the club to spread good fellowship amongst rugby football players.

Today the Barbarians are often given the honour of playing international touring sides at the end of their tours of Great Britain, something of great excitement for Colin.

'It will be incredible to be in the company of some outstanding players that I have watched and admired over the years,” says Colin.

'I was pretty excited when I received the invitation to play for the Barbarians, where I will be rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the game.

'It will be a huge honour to represent Bay of Plenty Rugby at Twickenham and wear my Steamers socks as part of the Baa-Baas tradition.”

Colin Bourke's road to Baa-Baa selection started when he first pulled on the Steamers uniform in 2004, since which he has played 81 games.

Steamers coach Sean Horan has a long time involvement with Colin, having first coached him in Baywide Premier Club rugby at Mount Maunganui in 2005 and 2006, and is happy for Colin.

'I am absolutely delighted for Colin, and it is a just reward for an outstanding ITM Cup season,” says Sean.

'It will be a great experience and give him the confidence to take his game to the next level.”

Colin will create Bay of Plenty Rugby history being the first Bay of Plenty player to wear the Black and White Barbarians jersey.

To make the occasion more momentous it will be at the holy grail of rugby at Twickenham.

In line with tradition, Colin will be the one uncapped player in the Baa-Baas squad. He is joined by some other New Zealanders including Auckland captain Daniel Braid.

Pride of place in the Barbarians squad is All Black Joe Rokocoko, who returns to the invitation side for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

Other All Blacks named in the squad to play South Africa are Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Chris Jack and Tom Donnelly.

Australia has a number of players selected that include James O'Connor and Matt Giteau, along with other International players from Six Nations teams.