It was not long ago that the Six Nations was littered with stars who used to ply their trade in rugby league.
However, with fewer players seemingly making the switch between the two codes and being successful, has the era of the convert seen its heyday come and go?
Some Iconic Players Have Played Both Codes
Looking back at the rich history of the Six Nations, and the Five Nations that preceded it, there have been a host of stars that came from rugby league. Alan Tait of Scotland, Scott Gibbs for Wales and England’s Jason Robinson were just a few standout names who made the switch. Robinson enjoyed a stellar career with the Wigan Warriors, who are 7/2 in the rugby league odds to win the Super League Grand Final this season, before switching to union in 1996. Arguably the most successful duel-code player of all time in the northern hemisphere, winger Robinson went on to become the first player to win a Super League and Premiership title.
Robinson also enjoyed international success with England, helping Sir Clive Woodward’s side win the World Cup in 2003. Featuring also on two British & Irish Lions tours of Australia and New Zealand, nobody can deny the success the elusive runner had in the 15-man form of the game.
In more recent years there seem to be far fewer stars making the switch from Super League to try their hand at union. No longer are players of the calibre of former Lions stars like Tait, Gibbs and Robinson successfully transitioning from league to union. Perhaps the unique technical aspects of the two codes are drifting so far apart that the switching of disciplines is becoming tougher than ever. Some will also point to Sam Burgess and the former league star’s well-documented foray into union which ended in a return to the 13-man code.
Coaches Enjoying More Success
While the amount of players leaving Super League for a successful career in union appears to be reducing, it is a different story when it comes to coaches making the switch. Former Wigan star Shaun Edwards has become one of the most coveted defence coaches in rugby union. Having enjoyed previous success under Warren Gatland with Wales, Edwards helped France secure the Grand Slam in the Six Nations last season.
Following in the footsteps of Edwards, Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has also shown signs of promise as a defence coach in union. Helping Leicester Tigers to the Premiership title last season, Sinfield now finds himself in the England set-up under Steve Borthwick. For a man who had a brief spell in union as a player, Sinfield is enjoying far more success as a coach.
While Edwards and Sinfield are earning rave reviews for their coaching, the flow of league players moving to union has been reduced to a trickle. Perhaps the golden age of the rugby league convert has indeed been and gone.
