Eastmond off to Bath next season

(GETTY IMAGES)

Kyle Eastmond has admitted what anyone who has seen him play this season had already guessed – he is off to play rugby union. The 21-year-old St Helens half-back is joining Bath on a three-year contract, but not until he completes this season with the Saints.

"I intend to give everything to the club, its supporters and my fellow players," Eastmond said. He has been criticised for his performances this season and apologised for leaving the field after the defeat to Warrington without acknowledging the Saints' supporters.

After that game, the St Helens head coach, Royce Simmons, urged Eastmond to announce his decision as quickly as possible and Simmons was glad yesterday that he had. "He spoke to the players, told them he'd made a decision and that it was a difficult decision for him to make.

"He guaranteed them that he will be giving 100 per cent for the rest of the season. He guaranteed that he's really going to buckle down."