Former England rugby union and rugby league stars will take part in a unique hybrid match at Headingley next month to raise funds for research and care for people living with motor neuron disease.
The idea for the Sunday, November 17 showdown was conceived by Rob Burrow and former Gloucester player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with MND in 2022 before Burrow passed away aged 41 in June.
The ‘745 Game’, named after the shirt number worn by Burrow, Slater and Scottish great Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 aged 52, is played under a set of cross-code rules designed specifically for the occasion.
Former stars from both codes will take part, including former England internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees and Tom Youngs, as well as league players Keith Senior, Adrian Morley and Danny McGuire.
The 13-man face-off includes unlimited tackles in their own half but six after half-time, uncontested scrums and lineouts, with five points awarded for a try and two points each for a conversion and drop goal.
Slater said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to get the game underway and I know all the former players I’ve spoken to are looking forward to donning the boots again to support the MoD community.
The idea for the match came about through a conversation between former Gloucester lock Ed Slater (Defense Test July 2022) and the late Rob Burrow.
“It was almost a year ago that Rob and I talked about hosting this match and he was really excited to see it happen. It’s really fitting that the match will be held at AMT Headingley because of how special that stadium was to Rob. I feel like I do.
“I think we’ve put together a pretty strong rugby union team. I know what the players are like once they get on the field. That competitive streak will start and I expect it to be a great tournament and a great event.”
Burrow spent his entire career with Leeds Rhinos, helping them win eight Super League titles. After being diagnosed with MOD, he and his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield raised millions of dollars to build a new treatment center for MOD patients.
The game is named The 745 Game after the shirt numbers worn by Burrow (second from left), Slater (far right) and Doddie Weir (second from right).
This fixture will represent a new advancement in matching between the two codes. Previous meetings had either a half or a full match played according to established union and league rules respectively.
In both 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 a 41-0 half-time lead under Union rules, with the Saints responding after the break with 39 points unearned under League rules.
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