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Rugby League

Bath tempt Walker to switch codes

06/06/2006

Rugby league star Chev Walker is set to switch codes after agreeing to make the move from Leeds Rhinos to union side Bath.

The 23-year-old Great Britain international will complete the move in November, following the completion to the current league season.

His switch has been backed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and particularly by England coaches Andy Robinson and Brian Ashton, previously Bath head coach.

Hopes are that the talented centre can emulate Jason Robinson who remains the most successful player to have switched from league to union.

"After eight seasons with Leeds Rhinos, it is time for a new challenge with the end of my Rhinos contract coinciding with my 24th birthday," Walker said.

"Rugby Union offers a new stage club and potentially international level. Having decided to switch codes, Bath Rugby offers the promise of an exciting brand of rugby at a traditional union club with a great heritage.

"England head coach Andy Robinson and Brian Ashton, as the then Bath Rugby Coach, have become inspirational mentors and I look forward to working with them in the England camp as well as the new coaching staff at Bath the rest of the Bath Rugby squad."

RFU chief executive Francis Baron added that the support package to bring Walker to union was smaller than that for previous cross-code transfers, including Robinson, Henry Paul, Andy Farrell, but that hopes are just as high for his potential impact.

"Chev is highly rated by Brian Ashton and Andy Robinson, with great proven ability in rugby league and huge potential in rugby union," he said.

"This is a smaller support package than for previous cross-code transfers but one we feel will be beneficial to Chev, England, and Bath Rugby."

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