What do we gain from dual code status?

By Richie the Rhino
May 17 2002

Its well known within rugby circles that Leeds was the first ever dual code rugby tie-up. Under the banner of Leeds Rugby, the Tykes came together with the Rhinos in a ground-breaking move, that would have been laughed at even as recently as 10 years ago, in the ‘dark’ days of union “shamateurism”.

Benefits for Dual Code Clubs?

So Leeds Rugby was the first, and now Wigan / Orrell and Bradford / Wakefield have followed suit. As the trailblazers in this move to dual code rugby organisations, what exactly have the Tykes gained, and in what areas can further benefits be achieved?

Facilities

Most obviously, the Tykes now play at Headingley, one of the great club rugby grounds in the country. The importance of this for the Tykes cannot be underestimated. Without Headingley, the Tykes would be another Rotherham, a side who are too good for National Division 1, with a ground not up to scratch. Quite simply we would not be a Premiership outfit. In addition, the ground's hospitality facilities offer excellent avenues for income generation to supplement the gate receipts and RFU handouts. The use of the ground for union as well as league makes good business sense too, as the facility can be used all year round (this was a big factor in the Bulls/Wakefield move, given that the Bulls want a good return on their investment in Odsal).

Thus financially, the Tykes benefit from the use of Headingley in many ways. However, in an accounting front, the Rhinos and Tykes are separated, so the union side does not gain from league gate receipts.

Established organisation

The Tykes must also be benefiting from being part of an organisation that has been professional for some years, although in the obvious area of marketing the Tykes, this benefit has yet to be seen. Marketing a new venture will be difficult, especially as Leeds is a strong RL town. But gates have risen dramatically this year, and a successful side will do well in a city like Leeds.

Performance on the pitch / dual code contracts

On the playing front, the first benefit was the world’s first dual code rugby signing Japie Mulder. This is another groundbreaking move – the dual code playing status obviously interested Japie. Let’s hope he is not tired out when the new Union season begins! Nevertheless, this is one area that offers the Tykes an advantage over their ZP rivals. Post Rugby World Cup 2003, several union players may be up for a dual code contract – imagine a Tykes back line with Wendell Sailor and Jonah Lomu on the wings . . . . . fanciful yes, implausible no. Would Henry Paul like a dual code move? Leeds is the only operation that can offer Super League and ZP contracts – this is something that should be used more to attract quality players to the Tykes and the Rhinos.

Cross code innovations

On the pitch, several innovations in union have recently been based upon league models. Many union sides use a defensive alignment copied from league, although it’s unclear sometimes whether the Tykes use this system or not! Other plays such as the cross-field bomb in the opponents 22 have also been copied from league. To what extent the Rhinos and Tykes train and learn from each other is unclear, but potential to advance both sides must exist from this arrangement.

More dual code clubs to come?

It will be interesting to see how many more dual code clubs emerge in the coming years. Rumours abound about Sale/St Helens. Will Tigers or Northampton try to buy out a struggling Super League franchise (lets face it, there are a couple of those at the moment). What about a Broncos / London tie up too? Will geography dictate or not? Perhaps the southern union super-clubs are waiting to see how Leeds progresses before they dip their toes into dual codes’ murky waters.

Good business sense

The RL boys have moved to get into dual code clubs for good reasons, to safeguard their players from a potential exodus to union, to move to all year round rugby, and to make a good business. The RL bosses know this – they are not stupid men! RL has a fanatical following in a limited geographical area, and no worthwhile international appeal. The union tie-ups make good sense to them.

Leeds – the premier rugby city – League & Union

And it makes good sense to union too. In some cases it is unclear what benefits Tykes gain from their tie up with Rhinos, but some clear benefits are already plain to see, and without this tie up it is debatable whether the Tykes would be a ZP side. As an outsider, it is sometimes difficult to ascertain whether the dual code status is an easy relationship, or whether the two sisters fight behind closed doors. But if the full potential of dual code status can be gained, then Leeds will become the premier rugby city in the northern hemisphere, and that has to be good news, whichever code you follow.

If you agree with Richie let us know, and if you disagree then why not write a follow up article and email it to me:

Tykefalcon - Site Editor