Rugby League Bramley move to union ground

Rugby League

DAVE HADFIELD

The codes of rugby have moved a step closer together with the first ground-sharing arrangement between senior clubs in the two codes. Bramley are leaving their ground at McLaren Field to move in with Leeds Rugby Union Club at Clarence Field in Kirkstall.

The move has the blessing of both games' governing bodies and the Leeds RU secretary, Mike Bidgood, said: "Hopefully this ground-sharing scheme may help to break down the barriers that supposedly exist between the two codes. We certainly hope that supporters from each club will watch the other's games."

The Bramley chairman, Jeffrey Wine, said: "We hope a close relationship will develop between the two clubs."

The Leeds rugby union club recently sold Clarence Field to the Bradford- based supermarket chain, Morrisons, but the company have given permission for both clubs to play there this coming season.

The new Bradford coach, Brian Smith, has made his first signing by enlisting the former Castleford and Great Britain winger, St John Ellis.

Ellis is playing in Brisbane for the South Queensland Crushers, but will be able to join the club now known as the Bradford Bulls in September. "St John is a class player and signing him shows we mean business," Chris Caisley, the Bulls chairman, said.

Dave King, Huddersfield's Australian prop, has joined Warrington on a two and a half year contract. Warrington have paid pounds 15,000 for King, 28, their third major signing this summer.

Keighley's England international centre, Nick Pinkney, has allayed fears that he would leave the club in search of Super League rugby by signing a new two and a half year contract.

Russell Smith, David Campbell and Stuart Cummins are to be the three British referees in the Centenary World Cup this October. Far from being resolved, though, is the question of who will coach England in the tournament, following Ellery Hanley's departure for Australia. Bizarrely, in view of the limited number of credible candidates, the post is being advertised.