Are you a fan of the plan?

This debate is now closed.

Following the recent Middlesex Sevens tournament, French is keen for the introduction of an annual contest pitting the best of both codes against each other.

His current proposal would see the top six rugby union and Super League clubs, a major French union and league side plus a couple of guest teams.

As well as being a draw for fans of both codes, French also argues that there are financial gains to be made with capacity crowds.

Is French on to a winner?

I'm not sure about Bradford against the Fiji or NZ national sevens sides. Bradford were flattered last weekend by mediocre competition. A good example: Tevita Vaikona was immense in Middlesex, but how many people noticed him at the Games in Manchester? Bradford are brilliant, but I wouldn't rate them as competition for a national sevens outfit of the highest order.
James Sykes, England

I like the idea, but I worry that it may speed the downfall of one or both of the codes. Bringing together the stars of both codes on one pitch would certainly make for a sporting spectacle. But what would it prove? I don't think we should look towards diluting our own game by playing a hybrid version of the two codes - which is what would have to happen for the two codes to play each other on a level playing field.
The Judge, UK

The harsh truth behind Ray French's suggestion is that, right now, league needs union a lot more than union needs league. On the back of last year's Lions tour, union has some blockbuster internationals coming up in a few months followed by a World Cup next year that could be won by any one of five or six teams. Contrast that with league, which is so strongly based on club success that it struggles as an international sport.
Paul, England

Great idea. But it wouldn't be a fair test of both codes because British rugby league isn't up to the same standards as British rugby union. If you really want to see which code is best then find a midpoint between the two code rules (eg. the Australian/Irish football rules event) and grab the British Lions and throw them in with the Kangaroos. Now that'll make a bloody beautiful mess.
Adrian Hathorn, Australia

If rugby league teams are to play rugby union teams at Sevens, let us at least have a level playing field.

I for one would love to see a fresh, rested and prepared Bradford, Wigan or St Helens up against the best of the Zurich Premiership or even the Fijian or New Zealand rugby union Sevens squad.
Daniel Emerson, England

Can we please move on from the "my code's bigger than your code" playground stuff?
Vince, Wales

I am a big fan of both codes, and I especially enjoy Sevens. One thing that nobody seems to have picked up on is that the league teams are half way through their season, whereas the union boys have just had three months off - of course the league boys are going to be fitter and more like a team!

Not taking anything away from Bradford, but I'm sure they wouldn't have had it so easy if the tournament was played in six months' time. Now you've all seen what Bradford are capable of, let's see a few more of you down at Valley Parade to watch them in a full hard man's game!
James Sykes, England

I doubt the RFU would cope with the alternative embarrassment of coming last in everything, let alone making the final! If it does happen it will be rugby league's challenge to union - and why not? Sounds like a good way to raise funds for the Rugby League Foundation to me.
Dave, England

As the past two competitions have proved, rugby league are light years ahead in fitness and the bread and butter skills of the game: running, passing and tackling. So pick any of the Super League teams, they'd handle the crab-like attacking skills and soft tackling of the union boys with ease.
Craig, Manchester, UK

After debating this issue with myself, I must say that I agree with Ray French, although my reasons for doing so may cause discontent with the Union fraternity. I also suspect that although this proposal would whet the appetites of fans across the country, I don't believe the RFU would agree to it going ahead in this format.

Firstly, I freely admit that I am a league supporter, and I think that this proposal would serve to show the kick and clap tribe that league does produce the best all-round players at an elite level (as I'm sure they are still putting the Wigan victory in 96, and Bradford's this year down to fluke).

They will also point towards the 'relative' failure of Henry Paul to show that union is much harder to play, but to that I would retort that a Leeds second team player quit the club and fell into the British Lions starting line up (Tait) when his days were numbered in League.

However, although the attendance would be bolstered substantially (and it would give them a chance to see the league players before trying to poach them with RFU central payments), the RFU head honchos would not let it go ahead as there would be potential for the league sides to do well at the expense of the union ones.

This they would find embarrassing... there's something to stir up the opinions, and so I will hand it over - let the debate begin...
Sir Gaz, UK

Rugby Sevens has for too long been discarded by the English RFU. It is the perfect way to bring new players and old players to high levels of fitness, test one-on-one skills and allow creative attacking rugby to develop.

Southern hemisphere sides have taken it seriously and have reaped the benefits. I am a keen union fan and have been to the Middlesex Sevens for the last eight years. The inclusion of strong sides (be that league or international sides like 'Penguins' - a side that played for two years) can only improve the standards of play and increase spectator enjoyment.

The league sides taking part seem to take the event more seriously than their union adversaries and send very strong teams. As a result they are faster, stronger, better tacklers, better passers and more tactically aware than the union sides. It was embarrassing to see the union sides lose so convincingly to the league sides, hopefully these results will make the union sides rethink their approach.

The inclusion of league sides is vital to union's development (both 15 and 7 a side). Long may league sides be included in the Sevens tournament. Bringing the codes closer together is a necessity and both can learn from each other.
Roger Bates, England

This sounds like a very exciting prospect. If the clubs involved field top stars in this proposed tournament, then I believe they can look forward to full stands, and a greater interest in both codes of this great game.
Ben, England

Ray's idea is a good one, although this would have to get the agreement of the top RL and RU clubs. Although I for one wouldn't want my team, St Helens, participating at the expense of a Super League fixture! Maybe the RL could arrange a free weekend to enable SL clubs to participate fully!
Stephen Smith, UK

Maybe the challenge should be in the form of a cross-code rugby league Nines competition rather than a union Sevens.

The Nines game is more competitive and it would save RU the embarrassment of having two rugby league clubs in the final of a union Sevens tournament.
John Haigh, England