Harris resists lure of union

Rugby League

The versatile young Welshman from Oldham, Iestyn Harris, has been named as the John Smith's International Player of the Year and has pledged his immediate future to rugby league, writes Dave Hadfield.

The 19-year-old Warrington utility back, has been approached by Cardiff and Swansea, but he yesterday played down the possibility of moving to union - a game he has never played seriously.

"My future is in league," he said. "If it was possible to play rugby union during the league close-season, though, that would appeal to me.

"My immediate ambitions are to help Wales retain the European title and then make the Great Britain squad for the tour to Australia next year.''

Harris has played full-back, wing, centre and stand-off for Wales over the last year and has signed a Super League contract as well as having three years left on his deal with Warrington, who released Jonathan Davies to join Cardiff last week.

Halifax's Karl Harrison, who played for England during the World Cup, has been banned for two matches following his dismissal for a reckless high challenge at St Helens last Sunday. The 31-year-old prop forward was also fined pounds 100 by the disciplinary committee in Leeds.