South Africa won their first game on Leicester soil a century ago - and will be hoping for a repeat when they return this year.
The Springboks' first tour of these shores included a 29-0 win over the Midland Counties in Leicester in 1906 and they will celebrate the 100th anniversary of that occasion at the city's Walkers Stadium in just over a month's time.
81 times capped Ospreys scrum-half Marshall has been joined by Michael Owen (Wales - 32 caps & Newport Gwent Dragons), Breyton Paulse (South Africa - 62 caps & Western Province) and Morgan Turinui (Australia - 20 caps & New South Wales) as the first group of players to be confirmed for the World XV side.
The match, announced earlier this month, will form part of the overseas tour centenary celebrations of Springbok rugby and will be the final fixture of South Africa's autumn international tour of the UK and Ireland. It was 100 years ago that the Springboks played their first overseas match against a Midland Counties team in Leicester so it's fitting that they should return to the City for the final match of their tour.
Bob Dwyer will coach the World XV and Bryan Redpath, the former Scottish captain and scrum-half, has been invited to join his coaching staff. Redpath retired from rugby at the end of the 2005 season, amassing 60 caps, and captaining his country 23 times. He is currently plying his trade as the assistant coach in the West Country with the in-form Gloucester team.
Dwyer remarked: "I am delighted Bryan will be joining my coaching the team. During his playing days he not only made a fantastic contribution on the field but off it as well, to both club and country. I have watched a few of Gloucester's recent matches and his knowledge of the game seems to be paying dividends with the team. They are certainly playing a really exciting brand of rugby and developing some talented youngsters alongside the more experienced players. His input during the week with the World XV will be invaluable."
"To be involved with the World XV team is a great honour," said Redpath. "Whenever you get the chance to play or coach for teams like the Barbarians or World XV, it's something I treat with great pride. To work with players from all over the world and Bob is a huge privilege. I have played under Bob with the Baas-Baas and now I am looking forward to the next chapter in my rugby career in assisting him in a coaching capacity."
It will be the second time that the two teams have come face to face with the Springboks getting the better of the World XV 30-27 in a close-fought match at Ellis Park in June.
Tickets for the match are on sale and are priced at £35, £30 and £20 and can be purchased from the Tigers ticket office or by calling 08701 28 34 30.
World XV v South Africa - The Walkers Stadium, Leicester
Sunday December 3 2006 - Kick Off 3pm
