You are in > manchester.com  > News > Bulls and Rhinos end standoff over Harris

Rugby League

Bulls and Rhinos end standoff over Harris

08/05/2008

Bradford Bulls have agreed a settlement with Leeds Rhinos over their controversial signing of Iestyn Harris four years ago.

The former Rhinos captain left Headingley Carnegie in 2001 to try his hand at rugby union with Cardiff Blues.

After three years away from rugby league he decided to return in 2004. But instead of rejoining Leeds, where he had been held in high regard by fans after 139 appearances for the club, Harris opted for bitter Super League rivals Bradford.

However, the transfer led to controversy when the Rhinos claimed they had the sole rights to re-sign Harris upon his return to the code.

The case had threatened to bankrupt the Bulls if they had lost in any High Court action filed by Leeds, so the settlement is likely to be considered good news for both parties.

A joint statement from the two clubs said: "Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement to settle the dispute between them arising from Iestyn Harris' return to Rugby League in 2004.

"Bradford Bulls now accept that, although when they signed Mr Harris they believed that they were free to sign him and acted in good faith in doing so, they now appreciate that in fact Mr Harris was committed to sign for Leeds Rhinos at the time, and apologise to Leeds Rhinos for doing so."

Bradford also confirmed they would pay "appropriate compensation and costs" to Leeds.