De Wet Barry is one of four former South Africa players named in the Southern Kings squad to face the British and Irish Lions on June 16.

Barry joins Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Solly Tyibilika and Bevin Fortuin in the newly-formed Eastern Cape franchise's squad ahead of the game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Convenor of selectors Francois Davids also announced the inclusion of Springbok Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick, Rayno Benjamin and Mpho Mbiyozo, all of whom were instrumental to South Africa winning its first IRB World Sevens Series Championship this season.

"We've tried to select a squad that will hopefully be competitive against the British and Irish Lions team," Davids said.

"We are constantly looking at the future of rugby in the Eastern Cape and we've tried to select a good blend of experience and youth in our side.

"There's probably going to be lots of questions regarding the selection of players such as De Wet Barry and Bevin Fortuin, but we selected them to ensure that we match the Lions physically too."

Bulls' trio Derick Kuun, Jaco Engels and Francois Hougaard are also included in a side coached by Alan Solomons and assisted by Robbie Kempson.

Backs: De Wet Barry, Ryno Benjamin, Tiger Mangweni, Wylie Human, Josh Fowles, Bevin Fortuin, Francois Hougaard, Mzwandile Stick, Elgar Watts, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Frikkie Welsh.

Forwards: Kevin Buys, Michael Coetzee, Jaco Engels, Derrick Kuun, Darron Nell, Sivuyile Kobokana, Henry Grimes, Solly Tyibilika, Mpho Mbiyozo, Lungile Payi, Ross Skeate, Heinrich Stride, Ruan Vermeulen, Michael Vermaak, Marco Wentzel, Simon Westraadt.