PAUL TO JOIN LEEDS CARNEGIE FROM QUINS RL
Henry Paul is to be unveiled by Guinness Premiership club Leeds Carnegie on Wednesday morning having agreed to move for next season with the best wishes of his current coach, Brian McDermott.
The New Zealander declined to extend his contract with Harlequins Rugby League beyond October, and will move to newly-relegated Leeds when Super League XIII concludes.
The 34-year-old crossed codes from league to union originally in 2001 when he moved to Gloucester from Bradford Bulls before moving back to league with Quins two years ago.
Paul won the first of his six international caps for England at centre under Sir Clive Woodward, but missed out on winning the World Cup in 2003.
While at rugby league club Wigan Warriors Paul won every trophy possible in the game before moving to Bradford Bulls where he was successful as well.
Harlequins head coach McDermott praised the achievements of his departing player. He said: "There are not too many people who can leave the game without regrets. But Henry couldn't have done any more in the game - he can sleep easy.
"He has put so much into rugby league and has such leadership and presence. When he does retire he can say he has left no stone unturned in rugby league.
"Two years ago he decided that he wanted one last throw of the dice in rugby league and he can leave the game pleased. Henry has been great in bringing on the younger members of the first team squad.
"But he is doing such a good job that when he leaves at the end of the year one of the young lads will be ready to take his place.
"While it will be a sad loss to the club - he has been great for us in the last two years - we are quite prepared to move on.
"Henry competes for us every single week - he has been pretty big for us this year. He will continue to be huge for us, even though it looks as though he will be leaving.
"It doesn't surprise me that he is going to Leeds Carnegie - he enjoyed his union when he played for Gloucester. Henry has to go where he feels it will be best for his family - I'm in total agreement with him."
Henry Paul is to be unveiled by Guinness Premiership club Leeds Carnegie on Wednesday morning having agreed to move for next season with the best wishes of his current coach, Brian McDermott.
The New Zealander declined to extend his contract with Harlequins Rugby League beyond October, and will move to newly-relegated Leeds when Super League XIII concludes.
The 34-year-old crossed codes from league to union originally in 2001 when he moved to Gloucester from Bradford Bulls before moving back to league with Quins two years ago.
Paul won the first of his six international caps for England at centre under Sir Clive Woodward, but missed out on winning the World Cup in 2003.
While at rugby league club Wigan Warriors Paul won every trophy possible in the game before moving to Bradford Bulls where he was successful as well.
Harlequins head coach McDermott praised the achievements of his departing player. He said: "There are not too many people who can leave the game without regrets. But Henry couldn't have done any more in the game - he can sleep easy.
"He has put so much into rugby league and has such leadership and presence. When he does retire he can say he has left no stone unturned in rugby league.
"Two years ago he decided that he wanted one last throw of the dice in rugby league and he can leave the game pleased. Henry has been great in bringing on the younger members of the first team squad.
"But he is doing such a good job that when he leaves at the end of the year one of the young lads will be ready to take his place.
"While it will be a sad loss to the club - he has been great for us in the last two years - we are quite prepared to move on.
"Henry competes for us every single week - he has been pretty big for us this year. He will continue to be huge for us, even though it looks as though he will be leaving.
"It doesn't surprise me that he is going to Leeds Carnegie - he enjoyed his union when he played for Gloucester. Henry has to go where he feels it will be best for his family - I'm in total agreement with him."
Labels: Brian McDermott, Harlequins Rugby League, Henry Paul
