Watch: Jorvik Vikings clash with York City Knights in time-travelling rugby showdown

It was a sporting fixture like no other.

Spanning not years or decades – but a millennium – Jorvik Vikings took on the 21st century’s York City Knights in an epoch-busting rugby clash.

The time-travelling tournament was organised to mark 200 days to go to the Rugby League World Cup, which will see the LNER Community Stadium host some key games.

Tournament organisers are undertaking an ambitious 48-hour trophy tour to all 17 host towns and cities.

Each host city is putting on a unique 30-minute event. And in York, it was the Vikings vs Knights clash.

It was a game of rugby like no other. The mixed sex five-a-side teams battled it out for glory as their exploits were commentated on by BBC Look North sports reporter Tanya Arnold and York Town Crier Ben Fry.

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York said: “We can’t wait to welcome the Rugby League World Cup tournament to York later this year.

“What better way to celebrate 200 Days to Go than bringing together the sporting excellence of the York City Knights and York’s rich history in the Jorvik Vikings?”

Before the game Yngvar, captain of the Vikings team, was confident: “Some of our skills will be transferrable to the rugby pitch – throwing an axe is all about shoulder power, so passing the peculiar egg-ball should be child’s play.”

York is hosting eight women’s games from 2nd November, including the women’s semi-final double header on 14th November. For more information, hit the Visit York website.