The Confederation of African Rugby (CAR), the IRB's regional association in Africa, has announced the establishment of the first ever All-African representative rugby team, the African Leopards.
"The concept was devised by CAR as part of its development programme for the game in Africa," said CAR President, Abdelaziz Bougja. "History will be made at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 23 July when the African Leopards play their first ever match against South Africa Under 23."
"This is an important step forward as Africa is one of the most exciting areas of growth for rugby and every African player will aspire to becoming a Leopard. This pan-African team will capture the imagination of the rugby world and it is envisaged that the African Leopards will play regularly throughout Africa and worldwide," he added.
IRB Chairman Dr Syd Millar said: "This is a very exciting initiative as it will provide Africa's top players with an added incentive to develop their skills and the opportunity to play rugby at the highest level. The African Leopards will also play an important role in promoting African rugby."
The initiative follows the establishment by CAR of two regional competitions in 2002 - the Top 10 competition for the first level of teams in Africa and the Super 16 for the second level. The African Leopards will be selected from players within the national teams in both competitions.
The African Leopards versus South Africa Under 23 will take place on 23 July as the curtain-raiser to the Mandela Cup Test between South Africa and Australia. Brian van Rooyen, President of the South African Rugby Union, believes this historic encounter is a watershed in the development of the game in Africa. "We are very much part and parcel of the development process of African rugby," he said. "We welcome this great initiative and are confident that this match will contribute greatly towards raising awareness of rugby on the greater continent.