Some of the greatest names of both Rugby League and Rugby Union will once again take centre stage in the inaugural 'Legends of Rugby 'which will be held at the £38million English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on the evening of 17th December.
Past and present stars of both codes will take part in a unique indoor tournament in the Athletics Arena at the EIS. Played under International touch rules, 4 teams: England, Wales, NZ All Golds and the Buccaneers will play each other to find the Legends of Rugby Champions 2009.
The event will be screened by Sky Sports as a two hour special in their Christmas schedule. Some of the players on show include: Steve Prescott,Neil Back, John Bentley, Robbie Paul, Iestyn Harris, Paul Sculthorpe and local hero Mark Aston.
Commenting on the announcement tournament director Neal Coupland said'Legends of Rugby aims to bring back some of the great names whose skills are all too soon lost from public view. To see great League and Union players rub shoulders in the same team for the first time will be a sight not to be missed'
Team selection will be the subject of further announcements but the teams will wear specially commissioned indoor kits and play in squads of nine with six players taking the floor at one time and operating unlimited interchange.
New Zealand All Golds Captain Robbie Paul, who has not only played League and Union at the very highest level but has also represented New Zealand at Touch said, The speed and agility needed to play touch will provide a great spectacle for the fans, this will be a wonderful pre Christmas treat for the whole family and one not to be missed.
Paul Hudson, general manager of EIS Sheffield, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), said: "It will be an honour to welcome such high profile rugby stars to EIS Sheffield for the launch of this exciting new event.
"Securing the Legends is further evidence of our reputation as a world class host to events."
Tickets go on immediate sale and are available from
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
With just 600 seats available to the paying public, tickets are strictly on a first come first basis.
The Wooden Spoon has been adopted as the events official charity and will receive a cheque on behalf of the winning team. Wooden Spoon will also benefit from other fundraising activity on the night.
Ticket details - Don't miss out, secure your seat now!
Tickets for the LEGENDS OF RUGBY event are selling fast but still available.
For full info click:
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
With just 600 seats available to the paying public, tickets are strictly on a first come first basis.
Legends of Rugby : Event Schedule
6pm - Doors open
6.30pm - Dancers
6.45pm - Entry of Stars
7pm England v Wales
7.15pm New Zealand All Golds v Buccaneers
7.30pm Sheffield Schools
7.40pm England v New Zealand All Golds
7,55pm Wales v Buccaneers
8.10pm Sheffield Schools
8.20pm England v Buccaneers
8.35pm Wales v New Zealand All Golds
8.50pm Women's match
9.05pm Wooden Spoon match
9.20pm Sophie Mei and Dancers
9.30pm Grand Final
