"Cat's finally out of the bag" - All Blacks legend Kieran Read comes out of retirement

The 36-year-old, renowned for clinching the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year title in 2013 and amassing an impressive 127 Test appearances for New Zealand from 2008 to 2019, headlines the initial star-studded announcement for this eagerly awaited showdown.

Mark your calendars for January 27, when Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill will play host to this high-profile event. Melissa Vining, the visionary behind the Southland Charity Hospital, is rallying Southlanders to fill the stadium to capacity for an unforgettable experience.

“I’m excited that the cat’s finally out of the bag about him,” she told Stuff. “He’s one of many exciting player announcements.”

A dynamic and skilled number 8, Read captained the All Blacks, leading them to numerous victories, including at the 2015 Rugby World Cup when Richie McCaw was rested.

His leadership and prowess left an indelible mark on rugby history.

Oxford Harlequins welcomed the former premiership record try scorer who will take on a dual role combining his rugby management career with his exceptional rugby talent.

Varndell has agreed to assume the position of Head of Rugby at Oxford Brookes University, which has close links to Oxford Harlequins.

In addition to his management role, he will also become the Head of Community at the club, while still playing for the team.

Marcus Boswell, the student sport manager at Oxford Brookes had the following to say about their star capture;

Simpson joined seventh tier side Our Priorians in February, and made his debut for the Saints the following weekend against London Sussex.

The scrum-half - who made 230 appearances for Wasps in the Premiership (along with spells for Gloucester, Bath and Sale) and played for England at the 2011 World Cup - retired from the professional game in December 2022 and follows his brother Michael in pulling on the OPs shirt.

In 2019, Andy Goode came out of retirement for one night and one night only! He played in a charity match to raise funds for Tom Day, a police officer who died and he didn't disappoint.

The legendary England prop still loves to scrum down whenever he gets the chance.

England legend and World Cup winner Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home.  

The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.

In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.

Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.

Surnames only will be accepted.