The match is also set to feature former Lions Martin Johnson and Mark Regan, with a whole host of international names likely to follow All Black superstar Jonah Lomu in committing to the fixture.
The Lions will also be represented on the coaching staff as well as the playing field, with Nigel Redman, a late call up to the '97 tour, and 2005 mid-week coach Eddie O'Sullivan involved on opposing sides.
Now 37, Gibbs' comeback will have South African fans reliving painful memories of the dump tackling and abrasive running that epitomised the intensity of the Lions' performances 11 years ago.
Gibbs who toured with the Lions in 1993, 1997 and 2001 and is best remembered for his telling contribution the last time the Lions visited South Africa, is already looking forward to the occasion, despite retiring from competitive rugby in January 2004 at the age of 33.
"I know it has been a while since I last played, but I've been getting itchy feet for a while and have greatly missed the physicality of the game," said Gibbs.
"So, when Ieuan approached me to act as his captain for the International Select XV my only question was 'can I play?'. It really has given me something positive to look forward to, especially as the game is being played for such a worthwhile cause.
"Seeing names like Lawrence Dallaglio, Martin Johnson and Mark Regan on the other side is going to take me back to the days when we were battling it out in the Five and Six Nations - and then teaming up for the Lions.
"Some people have told me I'm mad to even consider putting my boots on again, but how could anyone not want to get fully involved in an occasion like this.
"Lawrence, Martin, Ieuan and myself have been loosely described as 'national heroes' in the past for our efforts on the playing field. But whatever we have achieved simply pales into insignificance when compared to what our troops are doing day in, day out in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"Those life threatening and life changing injuries that our Service men and women suffer on the battlefield are why we are now prepared to suffer a few more bumps and bruises with one more game."
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844 847 2492.
What is Help for Heroes?
"The Rugby Challenge Match is being played to raise funds for Help for Heroes, the new service charity that provides practical support for those wounded in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Bryn Parry the Founder of Help for Heroes.
"H4H was founded in October 2007 and in only 10 months has raised money to provide new rehab facilities at Headley Court, helped fund a Relative's House at Selly Oak Hospital and is involved in ensuring that the wounded get the very best rehabilitation and opportunities to enjoy successful and fulfilling futures."
.jpg)
