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Rugby League

Harris ends international days

10/05/2006

Super League's prolific points scorer Iestyn Harris has today announced he is to retire from international rugby.

The Great Britain star and Bradford Bulls skipper revealed he has greatly enjoyed his time on the international stage but that he felt "now is the right time" for him to retire.

"I've had to decide what my priority is and that is to play well for the Bulls for the next three to four years," he added.

"I felt to be able to do that to a high quality, week in, week out, something had to give and that is Great Britain."

Harris, 29, has made 15 appearances for GB since making his debut against Papua New Guinea in 1996.

He also enjoyed a fruitful three-year spell in rugby union after switching codes and represented Wales before returning to league.

The former Leeds stand-off has been in scintillating form since returning to league with Bradford in July and he is determined to prolong his stay at the Odsal.

"I've been lucky enough to have missed only one game for Bradford and I want to keep that consistency up while getting the quality higher," he added.

"I've enjoyed it here more than anywhere and want to retire at Bradford but my main aim first is to win things, as many trophies as possible, and that’s the reason why I’m retiring for international rugby."

Harris has indicated he could make himself available for Wales in the rugby league world cup to be staged in Australia in 2008.

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