Rhinos sign McAvoy

Leeds Rhinos have made their fifth signing of the close season with the announcement that former England three quarter Nathan McAvoy, 28, will join the club on a one-year contract.

McAvoy, who returned to Rugby League in 2004 from Saracens to his hometown club at Salford, will join the Rhinos with immediate effect after being released from the City Reds.

Commenting on signing for Leeds, McAvoy, who toured with Great Britain in 1996, said: ?I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to play for the Rhinos and I truly intend to make my mark with the club. I am excited about the start of the new season, there are so many world-class players at the club, especially the young ones, and I hope to make my experience count.?

McAvoy has made over 200 appearances during his career and in his time in Rugby Union played for the England Sevens team. He was a Challenge Cup and Grand Final winner with Bradford, including a spectacular try against the Rhinos at Murrayfield in 2000.

Commenting on the signing, head coach Tony Smith said: ?Nathan will provide us with great cover for our backline because he can play either at centre or wing. He has been highly recommended by Brian McDermott, who played alongside him at Bradford, and I?m sure he will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.?

The Rhinos have also confirmed that McAvoy would be outside their top 20 players for the season but that he has not yet been assigned a squad number.

McAvoy will make his debut in the Tetley?s Festive Challenge against Wakefield at Headingley on Boxing Day, kick off 11.30am, and began training with his new team-mates on Thursday.

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Thanks to www.superleague.co.uk for this news.