Rassie Erasmus, the Director of Rugby at SA Rugby, confirmed on Monday that the former Saracens hooker had joined the squad despite having retired at the end of the 2017-2018 Aviva Premiership season.

Brits, 37, who won the last of his 10 Test caps at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, was in South Africa on holiday and attended the first Test against England at Ellis Park as a fan.

"We are busy with building experience, continuity and capacity towards the Rugby World Cup, so we want our young players rubbing shoulders with experienced players such as Duane Vermeulen and Willie le Roux," Erasmus said.

"I want Schalk to perform a similar role, because he has extensive inside knowledge and plenty of experience from playing for Saracens in the English and European conditions. It's a great way for our younger guys to learn the trade of international rugby from these guys."

The Springboks team to face England in the second Test at Toyota Stadium will be named on Thursday.