Rugby history is littered with players switching codes from union to league – and vice-versa – and which is the better of the two is often a matter for debate.
But in August, Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium will host a charity match between union team Sale Sharks and league side Salford Red Devils.
The pair both play their home games at the stadium and the match will see one half of union rules the other half of league rules all in aid of the Prince’s Trust and Maggie’s charities.
International stars like Danny Cipriani and Mark Cueto will have to get to grips with six tackles and 40/20 kicks for Sharks while the Devils’ Adrian Morley, Rangi Chase and co will be rucking and mauling their way into the 15-man game.
Steve Diamond, Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, said: “Everyone at Sale Sharks is very excited about taking on our friends and rivals in league. Our players will definitely be up for the challenge and I’m sure our fans will be there making plenty of noise.”
Brian Noble, Salford Red Devils Head Coach, was equally enthusiastic about the mouth-watering clash.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for our guys to pit their skills against different athletes. It will be a big challenge but I think they’ll relish it. The fact that this is for two such fantastic causes is going to be a big motivator for both teams.”
Despite such rivalry between the two codes, high-level matches between teams from either side of the divide are few and far between.
Sale took on St Helens in a cross-code encounter back in 2003, winning 41-39 with Cueto bagging a try as they built up a 41-point lead under union rules before the league side roared back to narrowly miss out.
In the only other cross-code battle, Bath triumphed over Wigan at Twickenham with a 44-19 win in 1996.
The AJ Bell Trust will be contributing at least £50,000 of the earnings from the clash towards the Prince’s Trust work with young people and Maggie’s bid for a new £6m centre at Manchester’s Christie Hospital to aid non-clinical cancer treatment.
Andy Bell, CEO of AJ Bell, said: “We’re very proud that the AJ Bell Stadium will be hosting this chapter of sporting history to help raise funds for two great causes. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and I’m sure both sides and their fans will want to get the bragging rights.”
The trust will also host a fundraising gala dinner ahead of the match.
Ticket details for the AJ Bell Clash of the Codes, which takes place on August 26, will be available shortly.
Image courtesy of Sale Sharks via YouTube, with thanks.
