England to train with Rugby League side

England coach Andy Robinson has confirmed that the world champions will spend three days training with a top Rugby League club in January.

The cross-code initiative with Leeds Rhinos has been rubber-stamped following talks between Robinson and Australian Tony Smith, coach of the Super League champions.

England will use the sessions - in Leeds - as a key part of preparations for their RBS Six Nations Championship opener against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on February 5.

"Any team involved in professional sport can learn from other sports," said Robinson, who played for Bath against Wigan in two cross-code challenge games eight years ago.

"These are the little things that make a difference. Continually taking the players out of their comfort zone is no bad thing, and it applies pressure in different ways.

"It is all about creating a different environment. Their rules are a bit different; there is more space and security of possession for them, but when you strip it all down it's still rugby - union or league."

The gathering, from January 17-19, will be of particular interest to Robinson's assistants, former Rugby League coaches Joe Lydon and Phil Larder.

"You study anything you think could give you new ideas - and if you don't then you will be left behind," said Lydon.

"When I was England sevens coach in recent years I looked closely at basketball, because there are a lot of similarities in offence and defence with Sevens.

"League is a great sport. In many ways, it is a simpler game than union - with no scrummaging time or line-out - but our players will learn from it."

While England concentrate on the Six Nations campaign, Leeds chief Smith also has an important diary date to aim for - Rhinos' February 4 World Club Challenge clash with Australian side Canterbury Bulldogs at Elland Road.

"I have been highly impressed by Andy and his coaching methods in our initial discussions, and we have already developed a mutual respect for each other," said Smith.

"We have a lot in common, and a great deal to gain from establishing a good relationship.

"With our respective coaching teams, we are always looking for improvement - and I believe we can do that through our association, which I hope will become an ongoing one."