Bulls sign Iestyn Harris

The UK?s most successful Rugby Club, World Champions Bradford Bulls have completed the signing of the Wales and Cardiff Rugby Union Stand Off, Iestyn Harris.

Harris, who previously played Rugby League with Warrington and Leeds, has signed a four and a half year contract with the Bulls. He was capped 21 times for Wales in the 15-a-side code and has scored over 100 tries in league - including 37 for Warrington and 57 for Leeds.

Commenting on his move back to Rugby League after a successful career in Union with Cardiff and Wales the player said:

"After great consideration I have made the decision to return to Rugby League.

I have greatly enjoyed all of my experiences in Union and Wales and have no doubt that I am a better player for them. I am also very proud to have been part of the rejuvenation of the Wales team. Cardiff have also made important progress in the last year.

Above all, I have been amazed at the level of support from the Welsh Rugby public who welcomed me from day one.

However, I have recently been thinking about my future and for primarily family reasons I have made this difficult, but important decision, prompted also by the fact that I have an option in my contract."

Harris further said:

"Cardiff asked me a couple of months ago about my future plans and at that time I had made no decision. I therefore agreed to give them clarity once I had had time to think things through. I reached my decision a couple of weeks ago and because I was due to go on holiday I asked my solicitor to speak to Wales and Cardiff whilst I was away. I did however manage to speak to Dai Young and inform him personally before leaving."

Chris Caisley, Chairman of the Bulls said:

"I am delighted that we have been able to recruit a player of Iestyn's calibre and standing. As soon as we were alerted as to his availability we moved quickly to secure his services. Iestyn will be a great addition to what is already an extremely talented squad of players and his signing will send out a clear message of our intention to remain at the forefront of the sport over the coming years. I am sure that our supporters all over the Country will be delighted with this news."

The contract between the Bulls and Harris runs to the end of the 2008 season and the player said,

"I am very excited about coming back to a very strong Super League, and particularly to the Bulls who are one of the best clubs in world Rugby League. They have had considerable success since the launch of the Rugby Super League, including their treble trophy win last year. I hope to achieve greater glory with them in the future, both at a domestic and international level."

Bulls Coach Brian Noble is delighted with the signing:

?Iestyn is a high quality player who will be a tremendous addition to our squad. I am delighted we have been able to secure his signature and I am looking forward to working with him immensely.?