The International Rugby Board has confirmed the inaugural North/South hemisphere challenge match will take place at Twickenham on November 30, a week after the national stadium hosts England's final autumn international against South Africa.

The showpiece game, originally set for Cardiff, will help raise funds for the development of rugby in countries such as as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Romania.

The challenge match has been the subject of heated debate, with the International Rugby Players' Association particularly concerned about the extra demands placed on the selected squads of 22.

England will have faced New Zealand, Australia and the Springboks on the previous three weekends while Wales, Ireland and Scotland also have a full international programme.

The game also clashes with a full Zurich Premiership schedule, including Leicester against Northampton, which could cause further consternation.

Nevertheless, Mike Miller, chief executive of the IRB, was delighted to have finally secured a date and venue for the first of what is set to become a biannual event aimed at helping to raise playing standards worldwide.

"We are delighted to have secured Twickenham which will be a fitting arena for this great game," he said.

"There is tremendous enthusiasm for the fixture and substantial commercial interest. It promises to raise a great deal of money for those rugby countries in need, and will demonstrate once again the community spirit that underpins the game."

Mike Catt is a fitness worry for Bath ahead of Saturday's trip to Northampton. The versatile England and Lions back suffered a hamstring injury in training yesterday.