The 745 Game to debut this November

AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium will host a unique rugby occasion on Sunday 17 November with the first ever 745 Game in tribute to Rugby League legend, Rob Burrow CBE.

The game, which will be a hybrid of Rugby League and Rugby Union rules, was an idea that Burrow and former Leicester and Gloucester Rugby Union player Ed Slater were developing before Rob died from motor neuron disease (MND) in June this year, aged just 41.

The distinctive name for the match, The 745 Game, comes from the numbers worn by Rob (7) and Ed (4) along with Scottish Rugby Union legend, and our founder, Doddie Weir (5). The match itself, which will kick off at 3pm, will see former stars of both codes come together for the ground breaking clash, which is hoped could become an annual event to support MND communities across the country.

In the world of rugby, the bond between Rugby Union and Rugby League is strong, but now it’s united in an even greater cause. The 745 Game was born out of a heartfelt WhatsApp conversation between Rob and Ed, two friends facing the same diagnosis of MND, almost a year ago. In tribute to Rob, Ed has continued to develop the idea and now a date has been set in the calendar

All funds raised from The 745 Game will be split three ways, directly supporting the MND community. These funds will help further research into treatments and potential cures, and also provide critical support to families living with MND.

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 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 discounts available for group bookings. All profits from the game will be donated to support the MND community.

Ed's Rugby Union side will wear a special cherry and white kit designed by Ed’s children, whilst Rob’s Rugby League team will wear a kit inspired by the yellow kit designed by Rob’s children back in 2022. The game will be officiated by a team from both codes led by Rugby League referee Ben Thaler and Rugby Union referee Frank Murphy, who played alongside Ed in their time at Leicester Tigers. The officials will all wear a kit of Doddie Weir’s unmistakable tartan.

Tickets will be available from 9.30am on Thursday 3 October at tickets.therhinos.co.uk and from 10am by calling 0371 423 1315. Tickets will be sent no later than 7 days before match day.