Fancy adding to your festive spirit while possibly taking a quick breather from the day and all that comes with it? Check out Planet Rugby\u2019s Christmas XV of 2026.<\/p>\n
Yet again, it was an interesting selection, but we have settled on our line-up for the fixture at Kings-holm with Warren Garland in charge and Joy Neville on the whistle.<\/p>\n
Merry Christmas from our team of writers!<\/p>\n
15 Santa Carreras: Taking the jersey from Baltazar Amaya takes some doing, but a combination of keeping things fresh and the Argentina star\u2019s form meant we simply had to make some room for Santi Carreras on our plate. Another challenger to his shirt was Red Roses full-back Emma Sing, but there is recognition of sorts on our left wing.<\/p>\n
14 Ollie Sleigh-tholme: A jersey switch this year for the Northampton Saint as he gets the nod ahead of Angelo Davids, Regan Grace and last December\u2019s number 14 occupant, Gabriel Ibitoye. Hopefully, Sleightholme is set to enjoy an injury-free 2026, as this year was significantly interrupted for the powerful England international finisher.<\/p>\n
13 Henry Slade: There was no budging the England and Exeter centre, and he double wrapped this shirt with a game-winning performance for his club in their Prem win over Saracens last Saturday. Yet again, Oscar Beard comes close, while Will Joseph was also in the conversation, but we gave a nod to the Merry Xmas Everybody song here.<\/p>\n
12 J\u00e9r\u00e9my Tinsel: A newcomer at inside centre as D\u2019Angelo Leuila finds his shirt pinched by J\u00e9r\u00e9my Sinzelle. A decent play on the Toulon star\u2019s surname, we thought here.<\/p>\n
11 Thomas Carol: With Sleightholme moving across to No.14 that left a spot open in jersey 11, and it goes to Pau wing Carol. Ulster\u2019s Jacob Stocking-dale was considered.<\/p>\n
Ranking the 15 best Test debutants in 2025: All Blacks\u2019 \u2018big success\u2019 edges out rising Springboks star with England also well represented<\/a><\/p>\n 10 Orlando Bailey-s: Who doesn\u2019t love a Baileys, whether it is on its own or slipped into a hot chocolate? Leicester\u2019s Orlando retains his jersey from 2024 as he is preferred over Red Roses World Cup-winning fly-half Holly Aitchison and the hugely experienced All Blacks number 10 Beauden Carrot (we heard this one from The Rugby Guy).<\/p>\n 9 Ben White: The retirement (eventually) of Wallaby Nic freed up a place at number nine, and while there were cases to select one of Black Ferns\u2019 Maia Joseph and Will Port-er (Harlequins), we have decided to stick with White, but the Ben variety. The Scotland and Toulon scrum-half has had a great season, and this is the icingon the cake for him.<\/p>\n The forwards<\/p>\n 8 Jeandr\u00e9 Rudolph: How could we not retain Rudolph? Zach Myrrh-cer was a late shout, but it had to be the Bulls\u2019 number eight who has been rock solid during 2026.<\/p>\n 7 Tom \u2018turkey\u2019 Curry: No real competitors to Tom this year, other than, of course, his twin brother, Ben. If you can think of other opensides, let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n 6 Miracle Fai\u2019ilagi: There were a few fresh options here, such as Piper Duck (Australia), Grace Moore (Ireland) and Bath youngster George \u2018all the T(r)immins\u2019. There was also Tom Willis if we wanted to pay homage to the great Die Hard, but the Moana Pasifika flanker is retained in reference to the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street.<\/p>\n 5 Dave Ribbons: A change at lock here as a four-way battle sees Emmanuel Meafou have his shirt ripped from his grasp by Ribbans. Adam Beard and Sam Slade were once again in the running, but it is the in-form Toulon second-rower who is our first engine room inclusion, going one better than last year after coming so close in 2024.<\/p>\n