The 745 Cross-Code Rugby Match: Ex-Pro’s Thrive to Keep the Hope of an MND Cure Alive
The 745 match. Rugby union. Rugby league. Three heroes. Two codes. One unstoppable force for good.
On Sunday, November 17th, Headingley Stadium hosted a spectacle that transcended sport. This was no ordinary game, but a gathering of two codes of rugby – brought together in honour of three extraordinary ex-rugby players whose lives and legacies will forever echo in the world of sport and beyond.
Rob Burrow’s courageous battle with motor neurone disease (MND) captivated the hearts of the nation. Alongside Rob, Doddie Weir, a Scottish giant in both stature and spirit, fought the same relentless disease with unwavering optimism until his final days. Ed Slater, still in the throes of his own fight with MND, embodies the raw courage of a life redefined by challenge. This was powerfully displayed when he watched on from his wheelchair with a gleam in his eye as his young son, alongside the late Rob Burrow’s, delivered the match ball to referee Ben Thaler, greeted by the heartfelt applause of 10,044 fans.
The 13-a-side 745 Game – named after the shirt numbers worn by Burrow, Slater and Weir – was played under a series of cross-code rules specifically designed for the occasion.
The match featured two lineups littered with ex-internationals, including former England rugby union stars Danny Cipriani, Billy Twelvetrees, Tom Wood, and Matt Banahan, up against England rugby league legends Keith Senior, Danny McGuire, and Luke Gale.
In a recent interview with BBC Radio Leeds before the match, Cipriani stated: “It’s a bit of a dream because I’ve always wanted to play a [rugby] league game, so I get to do a bit of both,” adding, “also, especially to represent Ed Slater, Rob and Doddie.” He went on to say, “We all struggle with the politics of the world, but this is a game for the people and three men that have put their hearts on the line.” “It’s a great day for the codes to come together; we’re putting exclusion aside, and we’re coming together for people.”
Among the notable attendees were Jonny Wilkinson, widely regarded as the best player England Rugby Union has ever seen, winning England the rugby World Cup in 2003. Joining him was Kevin Sinfield, one of rugby league’s most cherished icons, who has raised over £8 million for MND. Sinfield is best recognised from the iconic image of him carrying Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds marathon in 2023.
Kev’s most recent 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge – seven marathons in seven cities in seven days – was inspired by Burrow’s iconic number 7. His next challenge, ‘Running Home for Christmas,’ will see him cover 31 miles a day across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland over the course of a week, starting on 1 December 2024.
The 13-a-side game started at a blistering pace, with Tom Johnson breaking through the line less than two minutes in to score under the posts for the Ed Slater Legends. Jordan Murphy added the extras to give the side an early 7-0 lead.
The Rob Burrow Legends quickly struck back through Danny Maguire, who darted forward to chase down a clever grubber kick, levelling the score. Paul McShane and Waine Pryce also crossed the try line for the men in yellow. Matt Banahan responded with a try for Ed Slater’s team just before halftime, bringing the score to 19–14 in favour of Burrow’s team at the break.
The second half began in the teeming rain, and the Ed Slater Legends got off to a bright start. Billy Twelvetrees scored, with Cornwall adding the extras to put Ed’s team ahead, 21-19. However, McGuire fittingly sparked Burrow’s men to victory with his second try, and Pryce completed his double to seal the win for the Rob Burrow Legends, 33-21.
Following the match, players from both teams gathered at the centre of the pitch, joined by their families, to have a picture with Ed Slater and Geoff Burrow, father of Rob Burrow who held the inaugural 745 Shield.
This match raised a substantial amount of money for vital causes: the 4ED Fundraising initiative, the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, and the Rob Burrow Discretionary Trust. These organisations are lifelines in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND), supporting research and those affected by the condition.
This night was far more than just a rugby match; it celebrated humanity’s courage in the face of adversity. It was a powerful reminder of the unique ability of sport to unite people, inspire hope, and honour the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to be defined by their challenges. The event stood as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the shadow of immense hardship, the human spirit can burn brighter than ever and bring us closer to finding a cure for MND.
Words and photos by Ben Pointer.
