The rugby union world champions are casting aside a century of bitter rivalry by spending three days with the newly-crowned Super League champions.

Robinson views the sessions as key to Englands development in 2005 following a disappointing 12 months during which they lost six out of 11 games and finished third in last seasons RBS 6 Nations tournament.

This is no gimmick, Robinson told a packed press conference at Headingley.

Were practising rugby, whether its rugby league or rugby union, and integrating and interchanging ideas in a change of environment.

Monday was an awesome experience and I think the players got a lot out of it.

History doesnt matter to me. We are rugby people working together and this is all about forging a relationship.

Leeds coach Tony Smith, who led the opening session, insisted it was a two-way relationship and that the Super League champions had much to gain from it.

Its not just about learning, its about the freshness it brings, he said.

The players were bouncing and they are bouncing again today because they are going to work with elite athletes.

England captain Jason Robinson, who carved out a brilliant career in rugby league with Wigan and Great Britain before switching codes four years ago, missed the first day through illness but is looking forward to the remaining sessions.

Anything new adds a spark, he said. We are looking for ways to improve and, if we can pick things up from them, then it will be well worthwhile.