Codes joining forces

SYDNEY: Rival codes Super Rugby and the NRL will join forces for what they claim is a world first doubleheader at Eden Park next year.

Canberra’s two premier teams, the Raiders and the Brumbies, will take on their Auckland counterparts, the Warriors and the Blues, in the first crosscode event of its kind on March 21.

The doubleheader was announced yesterday.

In the first game, the Warriors will host the Raiders for their round two NRL clash before the Blues host the ACT Brumbies in round eight of the Super Rugby season.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George and Blues chairman Don Mackinnon said the idea had been developed over months of negotiations.

‘‘We have much in common as professional teams in international competition and we know that we have fans that follow both clubs,’’ their statement said.

‘‘Both clubs have worked together in recent years when the opportunity has arisen, and we have been trying to make this idea work for a couple of years.

‘‘This year we trialled a single ticket promotion to both of our games on the same weekend and fans from both codes absolutely loved it.

‘‘With both clubs playing Canberra teams on the same weekend, it was the perfect chance to give it a go.’’

It will be the Warriors’ first home game of the NRL season.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said the club was excited to be a part of the unique event with their Canberra code rivals.

‘‘This historymaking event is a chance for both codes to showcase their teams on the big stage and hopefully we see a Raiders and Brumbies double on the night,’’ he said. — AAP