Leeds bring Kyle Eastmond back to rugby league
St Helens' Kyle Eastmond during the engage Super League match at the KC Stadium, Hull.
Leeds have signed former St Helens and England rugby union international Kyle Eastmond on a two-year deal.
Eastmond, 31, switched codes in 2011 after scoring 433 points in 74 appearances for Saints, where he played alongside current Rhinos assistant Sean Long.
In rugby union, he played for Bath, Wasps and Leicester Tigers, as well as earning three caps for England.
He 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.”
READ: Eastmond was released by Leicester Tigers in the summer
It’s a welcome boost for the Rhinos, a day after they were dealt a double blow with injuries to Robert Lui and Jack Walker.
Director of rugby, Kevin Sinfield, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Kyle Eastmond back to Rugby League. With the injury to Rob Lui, we have been keen to boost our options in the half back position and I am sure Kyle will excel in our environment.
“We have been speaking over the last week and I know he had a number of options both in England and overseas to continue his Rugby Union career. The fact he is coming back to league is great news for us and the Super League competition.”