The Eastern Province Rugby Union plans to invite several of its former players now plying their trade for other teams across the country to turn out for a Coastal XV against the British and Irish Lions later this year.

On Wednesday, the South African Rugby Union confirmed the date for the game as June 16 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The team is reportedly set to contain players from the lesser unions, including Eastern Province, Border, Boland, Griquas and South Western Districts, but the home association is keen on bringing in some additional strength for the game, which will also mark the launch of a new Super 14 franchise.

"It is the unveiling of the new Eastern Cape regional side and the plan is to bring back players that moved from here," Cheeky Watson, president of the EPRU told Die Burger newspaper.

Luke Watson, who now represents the Stormers, is the most prominent of ex-players from the region, while Akona Ndungane, Rayno Gerber and Tiger Mangweni of the Bulls and Odwa Ndungane of the Sharks are just some of the other names that have cropped up.

Cheeky Watson added that the game could also give national coach Peter de Villiers an opportunity to field some of his lesser players ahead of the opening Test, which takes place in Durban just four days later.

He added: "We won't hesitate to ask Peter whether he wants somebody to get an opportunity against the Lions."