Legend believes code can still set standards

Apr 24 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUGBY union can still learn from rugby league, according to one of the sports’ most high-profile converts.

John Devereux successfully switched to play 13-a-side with Widnes in 1989 before returning to the 15-man scene in Wales seven years later.

The dual code international centre three-quarter retired from playing three years ago. The 42-year-old is now a rugby pundit in Welsh broadcasting as well as a pharmaceuticals company representative.

He pointed to the impact achieved by former league legend Shaun Edwards in his partnership with Welsh national team coach Warren Gatland.

“Both union and league are still making progress but union can still learn something from how rugby league approaches the game,” said Devereux.

“Like other influential people from League backgrounds, he (Edwards) has come into rugby union and worked wonders at Wasps and international level.

“The impact that Shaun has had since he joined the Welsh coaching set-up illustrates the point I’m making and you can tell how well he’s done by the way that the Welsh fans have taken him to their hearts in this Grand Slam year.”

Devereux was talking in the run-up to engage Super League’s second Millennium Magic weekend at Cardiff on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4.

Round 13 is played in its entirety at the Millennium Stadium.

Devereux added: “There’s far more swapping of information and ideas between the two codes these days.

“Warren and Shaun have already had a conversation with Celtic Crusaders’ head coach John Dixon and exchanged their thoughts on rugby.”

Devereux believes the Welsh rugby public will be able to gain a further insight into what top-class rugby league has to offer.

“Last year, when rugby league ran Millennium Magic for the first time not as many people as there could have been from Wales knew that it was being played,” he said.

“And they missed a treat because it was a superb day out.

“There are some wonderful players to be seen in league and to be able to watch six matches in two days is a great treat.”