The RFU announced today that Twickenham will host one of the first games of The Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup 2000. England will play Australia on Saturday 28th October (kick-off 6.30pm) as the curtain raiser to a 31-game tournament. The final will be at Old Trafford, Manchester, with the rest of the games spread throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France. RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron, siad: “It will be an historic occasion for the sport of rugby in England. Over the last couple of years, there have been talks between the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby League on a commonsense basis on areas where we can work together. They are proud and separate codes and will remain so – but we have a lot in common and I hope that one or two projects will emerge as a result of our discussions.” Sir Rodney Walker, vice-chairman of the Rugby League International Federation said: “The decision to take the high-profile game between Rugby League’s arch rivals England and Australia to Twickenham is particulary historic.” The match, expected to be a sell-out will be the first ever rugby league match at Twickenham, though it’s worth noting that Ben Gronow of Bridgend kicked off Twickenham’s first international match for Wales against England and went on to become a rugby league legend with Huddersfield> For further information please contact the RFU Press Office: Tel: +44 181 831 6514 Website: www.rfu.com