Gloucester and Leeds Rhinos to play cross-code charity match planned by Rob Burrow and Ed Slater to raise funds for MND
Gloucester and Leeds Rhinos have joined forces to create a cross-code rugby match involving legends from both clubs to raise funds to support the fight against motor neurone disease.
Both clubs have been touched by the illness. Rugby league and Rhinos legend Rob Burrow sadly lost his heroic battle with MND earlier this year.
Ed Slater, the former Gloucester and Leicester lock who played in the 15-a-side game, was also given the same diagnosis which forced him to retire in 2022.
On November 17, the two clubs will come together for a game which will be a hybrid of league and union rules.
The idea was first developed during a conversation between Burrow and Slater before the former’s tragic passing in June aged just 41. The distinctive name for the match – The 745 Game – comes from the numbers worn by Burrow (7) and Slater (4) during their careers along with Scottish rugby union legend Doddie Weir (5).
Rob Burrow helped put the match together prior to his passing from motor neurone disease in June
Ed Slater has also helped plan the cross-code game after being given the same MND diagnosis which forced him to retire in 2022
Former England international Danny Cipriani (pictured) is amongst those that will play in the match
Weir also suffered with MND prior to his death in 2022. Both Gloucester and Leeds hope the match will become an annual event to support MND communities across the country.
A cross-code match will revive memories for some fans of the meetings between Bath and Wigan in the 1990’s, although the November 17 game at Headingley will be made up of former players not those currently in action.
Those set to play in the 13-a-side game include former England rugby union internationals Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees, Matt Banahan, Jordan Crane, Tom Youngs and Tom Wood.
They will be up against England rugby league internationals like Keith Senior, Adrian Morley, Luke Gale, Paul McShane, Ryan Bailey, Danny McGuire and Gareth Ellis.
Tickets to see this unique game start from just £20 for adults and from £5 for juniors with all proceeds going towards the fight against MND.