Dual-code Kyle signs for rugby league side
STINT WITH MELBOURNE REBELS IS CHANCE FOR MORE GAMES ‘AT A CRUCIAL TIME IN HIS DEVELOPMENT’
FORMER Leicester Tigers and England centre Kyle Eastmond has confirmed his return to rugby league.
The 31-year-old dual code international has agreed a two-year contract with Leeds Rhinos.
Eastmond made 24 appearances for Tigers following his move from local rivals Wasps in 2018.
However, he was one of a group of players who left Welford Road in July 2020 after refusing to take a 25 per cent pay cut. Noel Reid, Greg Bateman, Telusa Veainu and Manu Tuilagi also left the club.
Eastmond enjoyed aa breakthrough season with St Helens in 2008 and scored all of his team’s points in the 2009 Super League Grand Final defeat by Leeds as well as gaining England selection for the Four Nations, gaining four caps in total.
He scored 15 tries in 19 games in the 2010 Super League season as scrum-half with Saints as well as kicking 63 goals and two drop goals before switching codes to join Bath.
Eastmond went on to make 72 appearances for Bath, scoring 16 tries, as well as earning six England caps between 2013 and 2014. Three of his five starts were against the All Blacks. He then switched to Wasps where he made 18 appearances before the move to Tigers.
Eastmond said:“I am excited to be coming back to Rugby League. Just like the timing was right for me when I went to rugby union, I think the time is right for me to come back to league now.
“I was coached by Richard Agar when I was younger and obviously played alongside Sean Long at Saints.
“This move is about me playing my very best rugby and I think this environment and this group of staff and players, gives me confidence that I can do that. If I’m happy and in the right environment then that means I can play at my best and I think that is what is going to happen.”
BREAKING AWAY: George Worth in action against Saracens at Welford Road in October, 2019
GEORGE Worth has become the eighth Leicester Tigers player to be sent out on loan this season - and the second to head to Australia.
The 24-year-old Tigers Academy graduate will be teaming up with the Melbourne Rebels for the 2021 season. He follows Jordan Olowofela in heading down under, with his switch