Like their Coastal XV counterparts, the Highveld XV were created by the South African Rugby Union to provide an opponent for the British & Irish Lions as part of their 2009 tour to South Africa.
The Coastal XV however was rebranded as the Southern Kings, which played in Super Rugby in 2013.
Traditionally the Lions only play against the best Currie Cup teams when touring South Africa but the South African Rugby Union felt the best players from all teams should have an opportunity to play against the touring side.
As a result, two composite teams regrouping players from weaker unions were created, the Highveld XV being one of them.
[2] The Highveld XV played their first game against the touring Lions on 30 May 2009 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg and lost 25 to 37.