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Henry Paul returns to rugby union with Leeds

23/04/2008

Dual-code international Henry Paul has announced he will move back to rugby union and join Leeds Carnegie from Super League side Harlequins.

The 34-year-old will switch codes for the third time at the end of the current rugby league season and has agreed terms on a two-year contract with the National League One side for 2008 and 2009.

It is expected that the move will spell the end to Paul's rugby league career, which featured spells with a number of the sport's top clubs - including Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors - and 23 caps for New Zealand.

The veteran originally began his professional career in league before leaving the Bulls to join rugby union side Gloucester in 2001.

After mixed success at club level and six caps for the full England international rugby union side he returned to Super League in 2006 to join Harlequins.

But he said the lure of a return to Yorkshire, where he appeared in five major finals with Bradford between 1999 and 2001, had proved too strong.

"I am excited about returning to Yorkshire and to rugby union with Leeds Carnegie," he said.

"I always said it was my intention to finish playing rugby league this summer and by coming back home this is a great way to finish my career.

"I have been very impressed by Stuart Lancaster and the set up here at Leeds Carnegie, in particular the input of owners Leeds Metropolitan University.

"It shows the club is moving in the right direction for the future and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the club get back in the Guinness Premiership next season."

Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster said he is "delighted" with the signing of Paul, adding: "Players of his quality and experience rarely become available and his signing is great news for our club.

"Henry has played at the highest level consistently in both codes of rugby and his experience will be invaluable, especially with the exciting crop of young players we have coming into the first team."