RUGBY LEAGUE

Two international hookers have announced that they are to join the Australian Rugby League. The Great Britain hooker, Lee Jackson, already due to play for South Sydney this summer, is to leave Sheffield Eagles permanently to play for Newcastle Knights. Martin Hall, the Wales hooker, has confirmed that he will be leaving Wigan to take up an ARL deal when his contract at Wigan expires at the end of next season.

The Rugby League is exploring ways of incorporating Ireland and Scotland in the World Cup for emerging nations that will run alongside the main tournament this October. Promotion is beginning this week for the Charity Shield match between Wigan and Leeds in Dublin in August.