Bulls star agrees code switch

Karl Pryce has quit Bradford Bulls to join Gloucester on a three-year deal.

Bradford Bulls winger Karl Pryce has quit rugby league in order to make a cross-code switch to Gloucester.

The powerful Bulls wideman has signed a three-year deal with the Kingsholm outfit, and he met his new colleagues for the first time on Wednesday.

Pryce leaves Bradford after a three-year playing stint at the club, following his debut against St Helens in 2003.

"I am delighted to be joining Gloucester, and I cannot wait to hit the ground running,‚Ç¥ commented rugby union's latest addition.

"I had a wonderful time at Bradford, and I want to thank everyone involved with the club, including an amazing set of supporters, for some fantastic memories.

"We've had another good season, but when the opportunity arose to try a different code and challenge myself in new arenas, it proved too strong to resist.

"I took advice from a number of people closest to me, and without exception they said Gloucester was the right club to be at.

"They have a fantastic set-up, excellent training facilities and quality coaches who I know I will learn from."

Younger brother of fellow Super League star Leon, Karl was a big hit during his time at Odsal - scoring an impressive 17 tries in just 21 appearances this season.

He was also called into the Great Britain squad for the forthcoming Tri-Nations series, but his switch to Gloucester has put an end to such an involvement.

At 6ft 6ins Pryce will add frightful bulk and pace to the Cherry-and-Whites line-up, which had been in need of a high-class winger.

"Karl's try-scoring record for Bradford speaks for itself,‚Ç¥ beamed new boss Dean Ryan.

‚Ç£He has enormous pedigree and will prove a significant addition to the Gloucester squad.

"We have been watching him for some time and believe that his physical presence will complement our other options in the back line.

"Rather than bring someone over from rugby league who only has a couple of years remaining at the highest level, in Karl we have a young player who we can work with to develop his skills and make a force in rugby union."

At just 20 years of age, a big future on the international scene could lie ahead for the Bradford-born star, who follows the likes of Andy Farrell and Chev Walker to rugby union.

Gloucester will hope Pryce can make a greater impact than their previous rugby league signing Henry Paul, who quit after an unsuccessful spell to join Harlequins RL.