Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Harris contract is terminated by Cardiff

Wyn Griffiths
Wednesday 23 June 2004 00:00 BST
Comments

Cardiff Appear to have lost patience with Iestyn Harris and terminated the contract of the dual-code international.

Cardiff Appear to have lost patience with Iestyn Harris and terminated the contract of the dual-code international.

The former Leeds and Great Britain full-back or stand-off, who switched codes with Cardiff three years ago, last week decided to trigger the opt-out clause in his contract to return to Super League.

Although Leeds have first option on his services, reigning champions Bradford are thought to have agreed a three-year deal for the 28-year-old. Harris refused to commit himself to a decision on his future until his position at Cardiff was made clear.

A statement released through his solicitor read: "Iestyn today received notification that his contract with Cardiff Rugby Football Club was to be terminated. He is naturally surprised by the action of Cardiff and shall, over the next two days, consider his position."

Matt Dawson targeted a third Lions tour after his long-expected move from Northampton to Wasps was confirmed yesterday.

"If you are going to move to a club in England, you want to go to Wasps. To get that opportunity is very exciting," Dawson said in Brisbane. "I am disappointed to leave Northampton but I was a bit apprehensive as to what the next two years would hold for me.

"Hopefully, it will be a good couple of years for Matt Dawson, whatever I do with Wasps or with England. Potentially I want to put myself forward for the Lions tour next year."

Elsewhere, South Africa have made two changes to their starting line-up for the one-off test against Wales in Pretoria on Saturday. Prop Faan Rautenbach and utility back Brent Russell come in for Eddie Andrews - who reverts to the bench - and wing Jaque Fourie, injured during the second Test against Ireland on Saturday.

"Faan has been along with us for a while and was named in the first squad of the season and is now fully fit," said coach Jake White. "Playing him now gives us the chance to get a bit of depth into the squad before the Tri-Nations."

Lock Bakkies Botha has not recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out of the second Test against Ireland.

Russell, who replaced Fourie when he withdrew with a hamstring strain halfway through Saturday's Test, makes his first Springbok start since July 2003.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in