Sean Long joins 15-man Rugby Union from Rugby League – Rugby News
England's professional international Rugby League player, Sean Long, has switched codes to join the 15-man Rugby Union. Long has signed his new deal with the Preston, Lancashire based English
National League 3 Rugby Union outfit, Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club.
Club officials have confirmed the signing of the new professional deal with Long on Tuesday, November 1.
Preston Grasshoppers chairman, Michael Bailey, has expressed his delight on securing the services of the utility player. He said, “We're delighted he's signed for us and welcome him to the
Hoppers' fold. Sean will be playing home and away games, which will help other clubs in our league since the RFU funding has been dented.”
Bailey has praised the skills and experience of Long and termed him as a player of “caliber.” He expressed his opinion that his inclusion in the team will bring confidence amongst the existing
players. He also expressed his belief that club players will greatly benefit from Long in developing their game related skills and abilities to improve their game.
Bailey further added, “Sean is undoubtedly a legend in rugby league and widely respected by fans of the union code.”
The 35-year-old Long has expressed his excitement on resuming his career as player. Earlier in August, he took retirement from the Rugby and started his coaching career with the Salford Reds
City. He termed playing in Rugby Union as one of his greatest ambition. He said, “It's been an ambition of mine to play union and now seemed the right time to do it. Preston Grasshoppers has a great reputation as club and a team that produces quality players.”
He made these comments while talking to the officials of the Hoppers official website.
Long started his professional Rugby career with Rugby League outfit Wigan in 1994. He remained with them until 1997. He played few games for Widness in 1997 before joining the St Helens during
the same year.
Long spent approximately 12 seasons at Helens making 265 appearances and scoring 2,178 points comprising for 124 tries, 812 goals, and 20 field goals. At the start of 2010 season, he joined
Hull, where he made 22 appearances before announcing his retirement from the game at the end of the 2011 season.
Long has made 6 international appearances for England and another 15 appearances for the Great Britain at international level.
Long will make his Rugby Union debut against the Hull Ionians on November 19.
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