Kevin Sinfield will be in union come 2016 © Getty Images

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Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has opted to cross codes to union and has signed for Yorkshire Carnegie.

Sinfield, 34, will arrive at his new club in November after completing the current Super League season with the Leeds Rhinos. He has signed an 18-month contract.

Sinfield arrives at Yorkshire with a prestigious rugby league background as the Rhinos' record points scorer. He has helped the Rhinos to 12 titles in 19 finals and has made 14 appearances for Great Britain.

"This was one of the toughest decisions of my career but I know the time is right for me to finish my time in rugby league and embark on a new challenge with Yorkshire Carnegie," Sinfield said. "I never wanted to play against the Rhinos and throughout my career I have always had an admiration for rugby union and wanted to challenge myself in that code. I am fortunate as a professional player in this era that opportunities like this exist for me and it is something I want to grab with both hands.

"Sir Ian McGeechan, the new board and owners of Yorkshire Carnegie have set out ambitious plans to gain promotion from the Greene King IPA Championship next season and regain their place in the Aviva Premiership and that is something that excites me. It is a new challenge for me and I know I will have a lot to learn however we spend a lot of time with the Carnegie players at our training ground at Kirkstall so that will help me settle in.

"My entire adult life has been spent at Leeds Rhinos and I am extremely grateful for all the support I have had over the past two decades. My goal now is to do whatever I can to make sure we have further success this year and finish the season and my Rhinos career on the best possible note."

Sinfield will work under Sir Ian McGeechan and Bryan Redpath at the Championship side.

"I have admired Kevin Sinfield as both a player and an individual for many years," McGeechan said. "His professionalism, attitude and commitment are top class. I am sure he will be a great addition to our squad for next season and his goal kicking record speaks for itself.

"The signing of Kevin Sinfield and the recent appointment of Bryan Redpath as head coach are clear indications of the ambition of our new management and owners. We look forward to having Kevin on board from November for our challenge to regain our place in the Aviva Premiership."