Sensational move as Leeds Rhinos sign dual code ace Kyle Eastmond - former St Helens star returns to rugby league after union spells with Bath, Wasps, Leicester and England

The deal brings the former St Helens star back to Betfred Super League after a decade in rugby union.

The news was announced less than 24 hours after Rhinos confirmed long-term injuries to stand-off Rob Lui and full-back Jack Walker.

Rhinos director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield said: We are delighted to be able to bring Kyle Eastmond back to rugby league.

"With the injury to Rob Lui, we have been keen to boost our options in the half-back position and I am sure Kyle will excel in our environment.

"We have been speaking over the last week and I know he had a number of options both in England and overseas to continue his rugby union career.

"The fact he is coming back to league is great news for us and the Super League competition.”

Eastmond, 31, was born in Oldham and made his debut for St Helens in 2007.

He became a regular in the side in 2008, often playing alongside current Rhinos assistant-coach Sean Long.

He scored all Saints' points in their 2009 Super League Grand Final defeat by Leeds as well as gaining England selection for the Four Nations, earning four caps in total.

The following year, the scrum-half scored 15 tries in 19 for Saints, as as well as kicking 63 goals and two drop goals.

Overall, he made 74 appearances for Saints, including 52 in the starting line up, scoring 39 tries, 137 goals and three drop goals for a total of 433 points before switching codes at the end of 2011.

At Bath, he made 72 top-flight appearances, scoring 16 tries, before a switch to Wasps in 2016.

He was capped six times by England in rugby union between 2013 and 2014, including five starts, three of which were against the All Blacks.

After two seasons at Wasps and 18 appearances, he moved across the Midlands to join Leicester Tigers in 2018.

He made 24 appearances for the Tigers before leaving the club last summer.

Rhinos coach Richard Agar said: “I first worked with Kyle in the England Academy in 2006 and he has always been a naturally gifted half-back.

"He is an explosive runner and was part of a very successful St Helens squad.

"I know he will work well within our group and with our coaching team, especially Sean Long who he knows well from his days at Knowsley Road.

"Inevitably, there will be a period of time whilst he reacquaints himself with rugby league after a decade in Union, but I am excited to see how he develops in the coming weeks and months.”

Eastmond said: “I am excited to be coming back to rugby league.

"Just like the timing was right for me when I went to rugby union, I think the time is right for me to come back to league now.

"I was coached by Richard Agar when I was younger and obviously played alongside Sean Long at Saints.

"This move is about me playing my very best rugby and I think this environment and this group of staff and players, gives me confidence that I can do that.

"If I’m happy and in the right environment then that means I can play at my best and I think that is what is going to happen.”

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