World XV

AWorld XV(or World 15) is arugby unionteam organised on an unofficial,ad hocbasis and typically composed of invited players from various countries. Several World XVs have been arranged by various bodies since the 1970s, often to take part in celebration and testimonial games, usually against national teams, but these are not consideredtest matchesby most nations.

Examples

Argentina

In 1980 and 1983,Argentinaplayed World XVs. The first match was played atFerrocarril Oeste Stadium,Buenos Aires.Argentina went into half time ahead by 16 points to nil and despite an excellent display in the second half by the World XV Argentina were able to secure a 36–22 win. The second match was played inAtlanta Stadium,Buenos Aires,where Argentina secured a second victory 28–20.

Australia

In March 2019, a World XV captained byAndrew Ellisand coached byRobbie Deansplayed theWestern Force,who won 26–16 as the opener of the2019 Global Rapid Rugby seasoninHBF Park,Perth.

France

In March 2024 it was announced, that for the first time,Francewould played a World XV side inBilbaoat theSan Mamés Stadiumin June 2024.The game was scheduled to be played in June 2024 withIan Fosterappointed as head coach, and players such asOwen Farrell,Camille Lopez,Maxime Machenaud,Semi Radradra,Billy VunipolaandMako Vunipolaall confirmed as players.However, by May 2024, the game was cancelled due to logistical challenges in organising the game.

New Zealand

In 1992, theNew Zealand national team,the All Blacks, played three matches against a World XV in New Zealand, to mark the centenary of theNew Zealand Rugby Union.The first encounter ended in a 24–14 win for the World XV. New Zealand won the second match 54–26, and the third match 26–15.

South Africa

Further information:Rugby union and apartheid

South Africaplayed the first-ever World XV inPretoriaon 27 August 1977, to celebrate the opening of theLoftus Versfeld stadium.The World side includedGareth Edwards,JPR Williams,Willie John McBride,andSandy Carmichael.A crowd of 65,000 watched asMorné du Plessis'South Africansled by 22–14 at half-time to eventually defeat the World XV by 45–24. During the match Argentinian flyhalfHugo Portacame on as a replacement. FlankTheuns Stofbergadded two tries to one each byGerrie Germishuys,Hermanus Potgieter,Dawie Snyman,andBarry Wolmarans(on debut) for theSpringboks.Four days later, the World XV playedWestern ProvinceatNewlands StadiuminCape Town.This time Porta started alongside Williams, McBride, and Carmichael, withAlan Sutherlandfacing off against Du Plessis. At 3.30pmcolouredplayerErrol Tobias,representing theSouth African Federation,was on the reserve bench for the World XV, as he had been for the 2pm match between a Presidents' XV and Western Province B.

In 1989 a World XV, sanctioned by the IRB and funded bySouth African Breweries,played two tests against South Africa in celebration of the centenary of theSouth African Rugby Board(SARB). The Springboks won both, by 20–19 atNewlands StadiuminCape Townand the second by 22–16 on 2 September at Ellis Park inJohannesburg.

In May and June 2006 a World XV, sponsored by South African company Steinhoff Holdings and coached byBob Dwyer,played three games – againstSaracensin London, then against South Africa at Ellis Park andWestern Province XVat Newlands. The latter match was atestimonialfor former South Africa captainCorné Krige,who led the Western Province side. In December 2006, again coached by Dwyer, a Steinhoff-backed World XV played a South Africa XV atWalkers StadiuminLeicester,losing 32–7. This game was to mark the centenary of South Africa's overseas tours.

In 2014, a World XV captained byMatt Giteauand coached byNick Mallettplayed a South Africa XV, who won 45–24.

Tonga

In 2008, a World XV played aCoronation Tongan XVside, in a game to celebrate the coronation ofTonga's King, [Kev O’Neill]. Tonga won the match 60–26, beating theColin Charvis-captained side that included players from Australia, England, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Wales.

Wales

In 2008, aWales XVside played a World XV, as a testimonial match for Welsh playerShane Williams.There were 19 tries scored in the match, which was played at theMillennium Stadium,with Williams scoring the match-winning try as Wales won 65–57.