Dual international halfback Craig Gower has inked a two year deal with the Harlequins RL
London based English professional Rugby League club, Harlequins Rugby League (Harlequins RL), has signed the Australian – Italian dual international professional rugby footballer, Craig Gower,
to strengthen their squad for their 2012 Super League campaign. With this new deal, Gower will return to the 13-man code from Rugby Union, after a lapse of three years.
Earlier in 2008, Gower joined the French Top 14 outfit Bayonne on a three-year deal to start his professional Rugby Union career. It is reported that the Gower’s decision to switch back to
the Rugby League came after the Azzurri’s overlooked him in their 2011 Rugby World Cup plans.
Officials at the club have confirmed the signing of a two-year deal with Gower in a statement released on their website on Tuesday, August 9.
Harlequins RL head coach, Rob Powell, has expressed his delight on securing the services of the talented halfback player. He termed Gower as an excellent player and added that the recent international
recruitment underlines the club positive and aggressive intent for their future.
Powell expressed his confidence that the Gower will bring into team, his rich experience and the young players will learn a big deal from him. He added, “Having played for New South Wales and
Australia and won Grand Finals, Craig will add a new dimension to what we are able to achieve.”
Gower has expressed his excitement on signing the new deal, which will allow him to play and compete in the Super League competition.
Gower is Harlequins third major international signing for the next season. He will pair with his fellow Australian Michael Witt, to make what is reported as “the best half back pair in the
Super League.”
The 33-year-old Gower started his professional rugby career with the Australian National Rugby League outfit, Penrith Panthers, in 1996. He remained at Panthers, until the end of the 2007
season, and has made 238 appearances and scored 233 points for them.
The New South Wales born Gower made his international debut for the Australian National Rugby League side in 1999. He made 18 international appearances for Australia, and additionally played
for New South Wales and City Origin sides.
Gower joined Bayonne in 2008, and during his three-season stay at the French Top 14 competition, he has made 74 appearances for them and scored 71 points.
Gower made his international Rugby Union debut for Azzurri’s, in Italy’s tour of Australia in 2009. He made his debut at Canberra on June 13, 2009. He has played 14 international games for
the Italy and scored 17 points.
Gower will join the squad at the start of their pre season preparations.
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