RUGBY giants Wigan and Bath are to go ahead with their double-header challenge which could generate a £2M cash bonanza.

The first clash - under league rules - will take place on May 8 at Maine Road or Goodison Park.

The union return on May 25 will be at Twickenham or the National stadium in Wales.

That match will mean Wigan re-scheduling their Super League fixture against the Sheffield Eagles.

The dates were confirmed by Wigan's commercial manager, David Bradshaw.

Wigan are already committed to representing the League in the Middlesex Sevens on May 11.

Wigan have hung out the olive branch to end the uncertainty for stay-away star Barrie-Jon Mather.

The 23 year old centre failed to win a court injunction to force Wigan to release him from his contract on Thursday.

But the Central Park Board are ready to get round the table and sort out Mather's future - if he is willing to talk.

Wigan chairman Jack Robinson said: "We're hoping everyone can see the practicalities of the situation. We're quite willing to listen to BJ if he wants to talk to us and even arrange a transfer.

"But there's not much we can do if his solicitor continues to instruct us not to do so."

Two Super League clubs are believed to have made a formal approach to Wigan about buying the England international.

Warrington are most likely one of them, as new coach John Dorahy is a long-time admirer of Mather, having worked with him at Wigan and Australian club, Perth Reds, in the past.

Mather is currently considering whether to appeal against the High Court ruling. He is still on the transfer list valued at £150,000.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.