The proceeds from the match, which will be played biennially in the future, will be used to assist the promotion of rugby in several financially disadvantaged countries.

Former Lions coach Syd Millar, chairman of the IRB technical committee, will appoint coaches for both teams, with Australian legend Michael Lynagh acting as match manager.

The game will take place on 30 November after a series of internationals between countries from both hemispheres.

"This initiative will help re-establish and rejuvenate the game among proud rugby countries like Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Romania," said Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill.

"It will also help create a much more competitive structure at the elite level."

The IRB's council, which has been holding a meeting in Dublin this week, has also approved England's tour to Argentina during the European summer during which one Test will be played.

The trip replaces a tour to the Pacific Islands which has been cancelled.

England are set to tackle the Pumas in Buenos Aires on 22 June, a week after Argentina host Six Nations champions France.

Rule changes

The IRB has also moved to stop player burn-out in the busy fixture lists of the professional era, calling on countries to make sure top players get an eight-week break during the year.

"In the interests of player welfare at the elite level, it is recommended that there should be a minimum eight-week break," the IRB said in a statement.

Leading coaches are worried that players are being forced to play too often.

After a council meeting the IRB also said it planned to take a lead in dealing with referee abuse.

It has also approved two minor law changes.

All starts and restarts of matches will be by means of a drop kick in the future instead of a place kick.

"This will come into effect on 1 June 2002 in the Southern Hemisphere in time for the Tri-Nations series and on 1 August 2002 in the Northern Hemisphere," the IRB said.