Harris makes world-record code switch
Friday, 10 August 2001 12:54Rugby League star Iestyn Harris has completed his switch to Union with a £2m move to Cardiff. The transfer fee is a world record for either rugby code. The former Leeds Rhinos skipper qualifies for Wales through his father and grandfather, and is expected to make his international debut against Tonga at the Millennium Stadium in November.
Although he has never played a game of Rugby Union in his life, Harris said that he had been looking forward to making a switch ever since the game went professional in 1995. It is a great day for me. It is something I've talked about for a long time, but now is the right moment. I am under no illusions - I have a tough, hard road ahead. It is going to be difficult for me to break into the Cardiff side and I don't want to look any further forward than that," he said.
Wales coach Graham Henry is delighted to be able to select 25-year-old Harris. "I welcome Iestyn with open arms. This is a hugely significant day," he said.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
