Browse Sections

• Oldham Athletic FC
• Oldham Roughyeds'
• Local football
• Local cricket

Back with the Bulls?

Gavin Browne
9/ 6/2004

IESTYN Harris is reportedly set to return to rugby league with Bradford Bulls after weekend talks took place to release him from his contract with the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Waterhead-born stand-off has been linked with a move to Odsal after instructing lawyers to end his deal with the WRU a year early.

However, such a move depends on compensation being agreed between the Bulls and Leeds Rhinos as it is thought the Rhinos had first option on Harris if he ever went back to league.

WRU chief executive David Moffett admitted he was disappointed, but added that they would not receive a penny from any switch.

He told the Western Daily Mail: "It is the most bizarre contract I have ever seen in my life."

"But we are bound by it. I am just flabbergasted that we agreed and signed a contract like this."

"There isn't much we can do about that under the contract which was signed."

Harris signed a £2m four-year central contract with the WRU in 2001, joining Cardiff - now the Cardiff Blues.

Having had a less than auspicious international debut against Argentina, there had been glimpses of his undoubted ability during the recent Six Nations Championship.

However, question marks had been raised about his defensive abilities when playing in the centre - the position in which he had been tipped to feature while on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand next year.

Rumours began to surface earlier this year that a return to league was on the cards when reports - later shown up as an early April Fool - said he had rejoined former club Warrington Wolves.

However, autumn's Tri-Nations series - and the prospect of playing for new Great Britain and Bradford boss Brian Noble - may have tipped the balance in league's favour.

The switch has not come as a surprise to current Welsh coach Mike Ruddock.

He told the BBC: "We are not surprised, but we are disappointed by Iestyn's decision."

"We don't like to lose quality players, particularly someone like Iestyn, who has worked hard at his game."

"I had a chat with Iestyn a while back and he seemed to indicate he would be trying for a Lions spot."

"Obviously something convinced him not to. We wish him well - there are no hard feelings and good luck to him."