The Barbarians will field a team selected from seven countries, including Ireland's David Humphreys and Bob Casey, when they tackle an England XV in Sunday’s Gartmore Challenge match at Twickenham.

Jason Leonard has thrown down the gauntlet to Neil Jenkins ahead of their ‘Battle of the Centurions’ match at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

Clive Woodward has described the demise of Six Nations A international rugby as a “backward step”.

FORMER All Blacks captain Taine Randell has urged Clive Woodward to select his strongest possible squad for England’s summer tour and set up a “royal rumble” against a rejuvenated New Zealand side.

England 42 NZ Barbarians 17

DAVID PUSEY will make his debut for Cork Constitution when he plays in the Munster Senior League final against Shannon at Musgrave Park, tomorrow (2.30 pm).

Clive Woodward believes England fans will have reason to relish Saturday’s World Cup celebration match against the New Zealand Barbarians at Twickenham.

England will field five of their World Cup final starting team in Saturday’s celebration match against the New Zealand Barbarians at Twickenham.

Gloucester 49 Bourgoin 13

ENGLAND’S so-called World Cup celebration match at Twickenham next week will feature just five players who started the final against Australia in Sydney three weeks ago.

World champions England began the long journey home from Australia today - with thoughts already switching towards a successful defence of their Six Nations Championship crown.

English rugby fans will have a chance to welcome home their World Cup heroes in a match at Twickenham before Christmas.

Fly-half legend Barry John today claimed Wales are ‘‘hurtling backwards’’ as a rugby nation.