Both codes can benefit from World Cup victory - Ferres

Ferres admitted that rugby union would naturally benefit more as a sport, but believed there would also be a positive knock-on effect for rugby league.

And he also called on the country's leaders to give more backing to sport in general as it "has a lot to offer everybody".

Doom-mongers of the 13-a-side game have claimed the success of Clive Woodward's side and the hype surrounding the World Cup - coupled with the Ashes defeats for Great Britain's rugby league team - could bolster the profile of rugby union in such a way that it harms its 'rival' code.

However, on the other hand, Woodward himself has admitted a great respect for rugby league, the two tries in the World Cup final were scored by products of league, and Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has since called for another 'league-style' rule change for union.

Ferres told the Evening Press: "I would like to add my congratulations to Clive Woodward and the England rugby union side.

"Clive Woodward has done a fantastic job and deserves all the plaudits he gets. The level of professionalism and attention to detail he's brought to the sport is a credit to him.

"I hope all our sports, rugby league, football and the rest, can succeed in being the best in the world. The rugby union team have achieved that.

"England's win will be good for rugby as a whole. It was interesting that England's and Australia's tries (in the final) were scored by rugby league players, Jason Robinson and Lote Tuqiri.

"I think rugby is going to benefit all the way along the line. Rugby union will benefit more than rugby league but there will be a knock-on effect with our game. It's about developing the core skills and if we can do that at a young level then it's good for both."

He added: "I hope the Government and councils get behind sport and leisure in a bigger way because it has a lot to offer everybody."

Updated: 14:33 Tuesday, November 25, 2003