Halley switches allegiance to England

James Gordon

Bradford winger Dave Halley has announced that he will switch international allegiance from Wales to England.

Halley, 22, is hoping to experience the new Four Nations tournament which also includes Australia, France and New Zealand.

The winger, who can also play full back, made his debut for Wales in 2007 and has earned four caps for the country, for whom he qualifies through his grandparents.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for Wales but have now set my ambitions on earning selection for my native England in the prestigious end-of-season Four Nations tournaments planned for the next three seasons.

“The ultimate target, based on an ability to play both full back and wing, is to represent England in the next World Cup in 2013.

“The England arena is highly competitive and challenging but at 22, with a new Bulls contract just signed, I am taking the opportunity to set new personal goals at club and international level.”

Wakefield’s former Scotland scrum half Danny Brough announced a similar switch of allegiance earlier in the season.