McCaw, who led the All Blacks to a 28-24 win over the Wallabies five days ago that sealed the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup titles, will line up in a Barbarians team that will be coached by White, who guided South Africa to World Cup victory last year.

 

The match at Wembley - the venue for the semi-finals and finals of the Olympic football tournament in 2012 - on December 3 will not only celebrate the 1908 Games but also be used by the Rugby Football Union as an opportunity to showcase its links with the Olympics as it tries to get back onto the programme for the 2016 event for the first time since Paris in 1924.

 

Australia won the 1908 Olympic tournament when they beat a team from Cornwall, who had been chosen to represent Britain in the event.

 

Some of Britain's medalists from last month's Beijing Games will parade at half-time.

 

White said: "It is a wonderful privilege for me to be invited by the Barbarians.

 

"I am very aware of the history and traditions of the club and have always endeavoured to push their values into my own coaching.''

 

The event will also conclude the Wallabies' six-game tour of Europe and continues the tradition of matches between the Barbarians and touring teams from the Southern Hemisphere.

 

The Barbarians, whose matches do not carry Test status, are known for their commitment to attacking rugby and beat the Springboks 22-5 last year.

 

They last played the Wallabies in 2001, losing 49-35.