Nienaber thanks clubs as 9 Japan-based Boks are allowed to tackle England

Rugby World Cup title-holders South Africa will be able to use their Japan-based Springboks against England at Twickenham on 26 November, coach Jacques Nienaber said on Tuesday.

A report earlier in the week said the Boks would likely be given the green light on fielding their Japan-based players for the England match.

The rematch of the 2019 World Cup final in Yokohama falls outside the Test window, but it's now been confirmed that Japanese clubs have agreed to extend the release period for nine Springboks.

Those based in Japan and likely to tour Europe include hooker Malcolm Marx, lock Lood de Jager and loose forwards Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith and Pieter-Steph du Toit.

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, centres Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende and fullback Willie le Roux are the other current Springboks who play in Japan.

"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Japanese clubs for their co-operation in granting us permission to select the players for the England Test," said Nienaber.

"We are building momentum toward the World Cup and the match against England plays a vital role in that process as they are among the leading title contenders."

Nienaber added that Springboks based in Britain, Ireland or France would be released after South Africa meet Italy in Genoa on 19 November.

This decision would rule out Jasper Wiese from Leicester Tigers and Duane Vermeulen from Ulster, who have been vying for the No 8 shirt in the green and gold starting line-up.

Vermeulen, who will be 37 when South Africa defend the Rugby World Cup in France next year, has been hit by injuries, enabling Wiese, 26, to be a regular Test starter this year.

The Boks face a daunting European tour, confronting Ireland in Dublin on 5 November and France in