Van der Westhuizen will be coming to Cardiff to support his former arch scrum half rival Rob Howley in his joint testimonial with fellow Wales and Lions legend Scott Quinnell, who are following in the footsteps of Neil Jenkins and Jason Leonard in being honoured with a special game at the home of Welsh rugby.
The former Springbok No 9 will line-up alongside other world rugby legends in a star-studded Rest of the World XV that will take on a power packed British and Irish XV in a fixture that will be at the heart of a wonderful day of family entertainment at the Millennium Stadium in June.
Already lined-up to oppose the British side alongside van der Westhuizen are All Black legend Christian Cullen, fellow Kiwi Mark Donaldson, Samoan hooker Trevor Leota, Australian star Jim Williams and Springbok prop Robbie Kempson.
It promises to be one of the greatest line-ups of professional rugby playing talent to ever assemble outside the Test arena as the stars flock to join the party to honour Wales and Lions legends Howley and Quinnell.
Howley said, “The news comes as a fantastic boost, not only for Scott and me but for the supporters and the entire day. Joost is flying over from South Africa especially to take the field in this match which is a tremendous show of support.”
Last year’s inaugural ‘Tribute to the Legends’ game saw a crowd of almost 30,000 revel in an extraordinary exhibition of running rugby as a Neil Jenkins XV drew 80-80 with a Jason Leonard XV.
The world record breaking Jenkins and Leonard are already in light training as they prepare to join the action again in June, while former Munster and Ireland favourite Mick Galwey is also putting in some work to get ready to add his considerable experience to the occasion.
“Last year’s inaugural fixture was a great success and taught us a number of lessons. With that experience behind us we feel we can offer the public an even better occasion in June,” said Millennium Stadium general manager Paul Sergeant. “The line-up of players will be even better, the tickets will be even more competitively priced and the action will be non-stop throughout the day.
“As with all major events at the Millennium Stadium, the advice is book early, arrive early and make sure you don’t miss any of the fun.”
As well as the main tribute match, the British and Irish XV v Rest of the World, there will also be a fixture between Rob Howley and Scott Quinnell’s junior sides, Brynteg Comprehensive under 16 and Llanelli District under 15, and a second curtain raiser between past and present players of Bridgend and Llanelli.
Quinnell senior, former Wales and Lions number 8 Derek will take charge of the Britain and Ireland side as coach, and is also likely to make a guest appearance on the field with his three sons Scott Craig and Gavin, providing the unique achievement of having all the Quinnells on the field at the same time.
Shaun Edwards will coach the World XV.
Tickets
Tickets for the day are £15 and £10 for adults and £7.50 and £5 for Under 16s, OAPs and students. There are also Family Tickets available (two adults and two children) for £19.
Tickets are available by calling the Millennium Stadium hotline on 08705 582 582 or to personal callers at the Millennium Stadium Ticket Shop, 98 St Mary Street.
Corporate Hospitality is £70 per person in a Box and £55 per person in a Suite – call 029 2082 2410 for information or email corporatehospitality@wru.co.uk to register your interest.
