Rugby stars to clash in cross-code match devised by Rob Burrow and Ed Slater to raise funds for MND
The unique encounter will take place at Headingley on 17 November
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former England rugby union and rugby league stars will take part in a unique hybrid match at Headingley next month to raise funds to research and support those living with Motor Neurone Disease.
The idea for the 17 November showdown was devised by Rob Burrow and former Gloucester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022, before Burrow passed away at the age of 41 in June.
The ‘745 Game’ – named for the shirt numbers worn by Burrow, Slater and Scotland great Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 aged 52 – will be played under a series of cross-code rules specifically designed for the occasion.
Former stars of both codes including ex-England union internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Youngs, and league players Keith Senior, Adrian Morley and Danny McGuire, are among those taking part.
Slater said: “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.
“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 AMT 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 am expected a great contest as well as brilliant occasion.”
The 13-a-side showdown 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.
Burrow spent his entire career with Leeds Rhinos, helping them win eight Super League titles. Following his MND diagnosis, he raised millions to help build a new care centre for MND patients alongside his friend and former team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
The fixture will represent a new development in matches between the two codes. Previous meetings have involved halves or whole matches played under established union and league rules respectively.
In two matches in 1996, Wigan beat Bath 82-6 under league rules, before Bath won the union rematch 44-19. In a match between Sale and St Helens in 2003, the former built up a 41-0 half-time lead under union rules, before Saints responded with 39 unanswered points under league rules after the break.
PA