The ‘745 game’ was named in honour of the shirt numbers worn by Rob Burrow, Ed Slater, and Doddy Weir. Rugby League and Union combined in a 13-a-side match at Headingly, to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. Rugby League came out victorious with a 33-21 win against Rugby Union.
One of the last projects that Rob Burrow worked on – the 745 game is a cross code match of rugby union & league that will help to tackle MND 💪
— My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (@MNDoddie5) October 29, 2024
We’re sure Doddie would enjoy the refs being dressed in his tartan too!
Get tickets here 👇https://t.co/e3n9divrVe https://t.co/fqQJQ7B6Nc pic.twitter.com/aae9s2leGe
Jill Douglas on the 745 game: “It was a great idea; the concept came from Doddy Weir’s family and Ed Slater. I was a great friend of Doddy and he sadly died of Motor neurone disease. So, they asked the My Name5 Doddy Foundation to get involved as-well.”
On August 18th, 1895, Rugby League was born as 21 Northern English clubs broke away from the Rugby Union governing body and formed their own competition. The 745 game was the first time that the two sports have combined, compromising rules and even more importantly spreading a worldwide message about MND. However, Jill likes to think the sports will stay their separate ways!
“It was a great way to show how the Rugby Fraternity can support MND. We have all been aware since Rob Burrows died how strong those bonds are. They are two different sports, and it is great when they come together and do good things. But I am quite happy that they stay separate Sports!
My husband used to play for Leeds Tykes the union side. The League boys would always say they are tougher than the union boys, much more physical, in your face, and trained harder. They thought the Union lads were posh and soft.”
The My Name5 Doddy Foundation is committed to helping people with MND. The foundation started in November 2017 and their vision is a world free of MND. Jill became the CEO of the foundation and is now a patron as of 2024.
Doddie’s legacy isn’t over, it’s just getting started. We can all play a part in continuing what he began.
— My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (@MNDoddie5) November 29, 2022
One way is by signing up to Doddie Aid. Click the link below to download the Doddie Aid app to take part: https://t.co/jeGvRp7RD1 pic.twitter.com/PSUpI9ARWV
Jill on the late Doddy Weir: “He was a huge character, larger than life and a lot of fun. He was also a hell of a Rugby player, playing for Newcastle, Scotland, and the British and Irish Lions. Although he died of MND, the last few years of his life were a terrible struggle. That doesn’t define who he was. He was an internationally respected sportsman, a brilliant mate, but he was a dad, a husband, and a big family man.”
Jill also received an MBE in services to sport and charity. Her face has been on lots of our screens at previous Olympic Games, interviewing the likes of Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Mo Farah, and Jessica Ennis-Hill. However, one name that Jill would like to have a sit down with is Jim Radcliffe.
“What he is doing at Manchester United at the moment is interesting, what he is doing in football and cycling too. I’d like to ask him what he thinks about sport, fundamentally what his opinions are on grassroots sport and how this government is going to support it.”
