Australian rugby bosses flay cross-code clash

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The Australian Rugby Union has red-carded a proposed cross-code match between the Wallabies and the Kangaroos.

The ARU has issued a short statement following reports in Daily Telegraph claiming "secret negotiations" were underway for the two sides to clash in Sydney next October.

The paper reported that Sydney's ANZ Stadium had already been booked for the clash.

However the ARU said: "We only know what we have read and heard and have no interest.

"In any case, it is not the sort of venture that would require a middle man.

"We will have nothing further to say on the matter."

The paper had earlier reported that: "The prospect of watching Matt Giteau taking on Darren Lockyer, Stirling Mortlock against Greg Inglis and the like would cause unprecedented interest among Australian sports fans.

"The blockbuster will generate an estimated $15 million, while promoters have promised $2 million to a children's hospital."

The paper reported that ARL chairman Colin Love had agreed "in principle" to the proposal.

But ARU chairman Peter McGrath had been unwilling to comment.

The paper outed promoter Phil Franks as the brains behind the move, saying he had vowed to work closely with both the ARU and ARL.

He was to formally approach the ARU this week, but the response he is set to receive is not expected to be a great one following the union's press statement.

"John O'Neill is the sort of man that can make this happen because he is a business genius."