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Rugby Union

Bath announce capture of Bradford Bulls star Hape

26/05/2008

Bath have signed Bradford Bulls centre Shontayne Hape ahead of next season's Guinness Premiership.

The New Zealander will join the newly-crowned European Challenge Cup holders on a three-year deal.

Hape's contract was due to expire at the end of the Super League season, however, he will now be released early to allow him to participate fully in Bath's off-season preparations.

The Kiwi joined Bradford as a 21-year-old six seasons ago and has since gone on to score 83 tries in 131 games for the Bulls and has featured in 14 Test matches for New Zealand.

Bulls head coach Steve McNamara said: "Shontayne is a fantastic player and he has been a great servant to Bradford Bulls. He will be a big loss to us but I fully understand his position."

Hape said he was looking forward to taking on the challenge of rugby union, while he admitted the financial rewards of switching codes was also a consideration.

"I am really excited about making the change in my career and it is a great opportunity to move to one of the biggest clubs in the country," said Hape.

"The club has tremendous potential and I really like their style of play which I feel suits me as a player and I think it will help me adapt to the new code."

Bath head coach Steve Meehan feels Hape's skill set will suit some of the new rules that will be introduced by the International Rugby Board (IRB) next season.

Hape is likely to be seen as a replacement for current centre Olly Barkley who is leaving the club to join West Country rivals Gloucester next season.