A cross-code rugby match has been organised for next month to raise funds to research and support people living with Motor Neurone Disease.
Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow passed away with the disease at the age of 41 in June, with a cross-code match between rugby union and league having been the last fundraising project he worked on before his death.
Former Gloucester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, worked with Burrow on the idea. The ‘745 Game’ takes its name from the numbers worn by Burrow, Slater and Scotland legend Doddie Weir, who passed away in 2022 aged 52.
The game will see a number of greats from both codes take part in the clash at Headingly – Burrow’s old home ground with Leeds – on November 17.
Ex-England internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Youngs have been confirmed for the union side, while league greats Keith Senior, Adrian Morley and Danny McGuire have all signed up.
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“It is brilliant that we are able to put the game on and I know all the former players I have spoke to are looking forward to putting their boots back on to support the MND community,” Slater said.
“It was nearly a year ago that Rob and I were talking about putting this match on and he was really excited about seeing it happen.
“It feels really fitting that the game will be at Headingley because of how special that stadium was for Rob.
“I think I have got a pretty strong rugby union team lined up and I know what the boys are like once they step onto the pitch, that competitive streak will kick in and I expect a great contest as well as a brilliant occasion.”
The match evokes memories of when Bath and Wigan faced off in a series of cross-code games back in 1996.
Back then, a star-studded Wigan team containing the likes of Kris Radlinski, Jason Robinson, Henry Paul, Martin Offiah, Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell and Va’aiga Tuigamala ran up a heavy 82-6 scoreline in a mid-week game of league at Maine Road, before Bath came out on top 44-19 in the union match at Twickenham the following Saturday.
Unlike the clash 28 years ago, this meeting of the two codes will be played over just one match.
The 13-a-side match will include unlimited tackles in your own half but six after halfway, uncontested scrums and line-outs, with five points awarded for a try, and two each for a conversion and a drop goal.
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