Wales denied Harris for RWC Sevens
October 12, 2000

A bid by Wales to field rugby league star Iestyn Harris in next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Argentina has been turned down by the player's club, Leeds.

"We tried and it was a negative," the Wales sevens manager John Ryan told the Western Mail.

"Leeds will not release him because at the time of the World Cup they will be in the United States preparing for the Super League season."

Harris played for a combined Leeds union-league side at the Middlesex Sevens two months ago, and has indicated his desire to switch codes when his 13-a-side contract expires.

The Welsh Rugby Union has coveted Harris for some time, but will have to wait a little longer before landing the talented 24-year-old.


"It was worth trying," said Ryan, "especially as when the World Cup is being held the Six Nations Championship is nearly upon us and the quarter-finals of the Heineken European Cup and the Shield are being held."

Like Wales, England's Rugby World Cup Sevens squad will contest the tournament without the players required for European action on the relevant weekend, 26-28 January 2001.

Ryan said of the likely Wales effort: "Because of the club scene and the national team, the hardest part is getting a credible side together.

"When the European Cup resolves itself, we will have an idea what players we can select."

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