Rugby officials to sort out poaching row

Officials from rugby union and rugby league are expected to meet later next week to thrash out a dispute which has emerged over the 'poaching' of young talent from the 13-man code.

RFL director of rugby Greg McCallum has written a letter of protest to lottery funders Sport England, accusing the RFU's Joe Lydon of masterminding the pillaging of young league players and development officers.

Lydon played a key role in the RFL's success in securing a £4.5million grant for their world-class plan from Sport England before joining the RFU in September as England Under-19 coach.

In his letter, which has been received by Sport England, McCallum said: "We have become increasingly aware that, besides targeting existing top-class rugby league players, the RFU have been approaching both up-and-coming rugby league stars who have been identified within our world-class plan, but also making overtures to our development officers.

"The RFL is most concerned about these developments and the potential pillaging of both potential top class players and administrative staff.

"Probably of greatest concern to us are worrying reports that a former RFL employee has been leading this element of the RFU initiative."

The accusation has been strongly rejected by the RFU, despite the decision of former Wigan star Jason Robinson to switch codes last October, since when he has gone on to win two full England caps.

The RFU have also denied newspaper reports that England manager Clive Woodward has highlighted two more league stars, Henry Paul and Iestyn Harris, as possible replacements should he fail to secure the release of players from union's Premiership for the forthcoming tour of Canada and the United States.

However, Sport England chief executive Derek Casey has called for peace talks between the two bodies and will chair a meeting between the parties next week.

"Sport England has provided a £4.5million grant to the RFL which was for their world class plan, with a primary focus on junior development and a world class potential programme," said a statement on behalf of Sport England.

"This award was made in January for a period of three years.

"A grant is under discussion with the RFU and if awarded it will also concentrate on junior development and a world class potential programme.

"No lottery award will be used for attracting top players or for the payment of players.

"Sport England has received the letter from Greg McCallum and we are pleased to say that having spoken to the RFL and RFU, chief executive Derek Casey will be holding a meeting with all interested parties to discuss any certain circumstances and look out how our subsequent investment in rugby union and rugby league can benefit both codes."

Despite McCallum's outburst, RFU chief executive Francis Baron insists Twickenham officials are keen to cement links between the two sports, not pull them further apart.

"The RFU has no policy or budget regarding the recruitment of rugby league players," he said.

"If individual players seek employment in rugby union, that is a matter entirely for them.

"It is RFU policy, however, to work more closely with rugby league and there are a number of joint initiatives from which both codes could benefit, including a proposal for a joint academy in Manchester.

"The RFU is committed to developing its relationship with rugby league and its provision of Twickenham to host October's Rugby League World Cup fixture between England and Australia and the Silk Cut Challenge Cup final in April underlines that support.

"Finally, we are not going to comment on speculation regarding employees of the RFU, other than to say that they are fully briefed on RFU policy.