England announce star studded line-up

Monday 7th December 2009

Above: Martin Offiah - included in the England Legends line-up

A superb array of English rugby league and union talent has been assembled for the fast-approaching Legends of Rugby showdown in Sheffield.

Players from both codes will combine to produce a formidable outfit to represent England in the indoor Touch Rugby tournment which takes place at the English Institure of Sport on December 17th.

Rugby Union World Cup winner Neil Back will captain a unique line up that includes champions from both codes who have all performed on the international stage during the last two decades.

The full team includes League legends Steve Hampson, Martin Offiah, Steve Prescott, Kris Radlinski and Paul Sculthorpe.

As well as Neil Back the other Rugby Union players in the selection are Jos Baxendell, Andy Gomarsall and Tim Stimpson.

Dual-code star John Bentley will also play and the team will be managed by ex-Union international Richard Greenwood.

Legends of Rugby Tournament Director Neal Coupland said;"The side is an array of talent rarely seen as a collective unit before. The England selection is a real who's who of world rugby stars.

"In the eyes of many this team is destined to secure the inaugural Legends of Rugby title and the beautiful new glass trophy that goes with it."

The all-white England strip will be sponsored by Calor, the country's leading supplier of Liquid Petroleum Gas.

Jon Tanner, Sales and Marketing Director of Calor said‘ we are enormously proud of our reputation developed over 75 years in the industry so to put our names on the shirts of these famous players, who have done their country proud during their careers, is a real honour'.

Sky Sports have confirmed that the event will be given top billing on the weekend of January 2nd and January 3rd 2010.

The two hour special will be screened at 7pm and 11pm on Saturday and 6.30am and 2pm on Sunday.

Rising star and host of Sky Sports News, Natalie Sawyer will present the show.

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, New Zealand All Golds and the Buccaneers will play each other to find the Legends of Rugby Champions 2009.

Tickets are on sale and are available from www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk or by phoning
0114 2 789 789.

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.