By Editor
February 11 2005

Iestyn Harris's time in Wales's union colours was a relative success, but also a relative failure, in terms of the money thrown at him, it was a gamble that failed miserably. Now the English RFU appear keen to bring key League players to Union.

By Paul French

Few eyebrows were raised when the former inside centre jumped ranks at the end of the last union season, in fact for most in Welsh rugby it was more a case of relief, than mourning blistering potential that petered out into frustration of the course of two and a half seasons of moderate success.

That is not to say that Harris did not have the potential to succeed in the fifteen man game, it is that by the end of it the apparent spark of the game had worn off considerably, and he looked if anything bored, particularly at regional level for Cardiff Blues.

The buzz at domestic rugby was not there, and under Steve Hansen You could not help but feel Harris was fed up with mediocrity, opposed to trying to rise above it.

Now England in their continued post World Cup state, are to go back North and look for some inspiration, in the shape of Andy Farrell.

Jason Robinson is a fine example of what can be achieved in code switches, however there are so many fundamental reasons why only the most exceptional of characters can only make the great crossing successfully.

Andy Farrell may be something of lynchpin for Great Britain at rugby league, however when figures of £200, 000 are being talked for a 29 year old with a dodgy knee.

When Jason Robinson joined Sale in 2000, he was positively sprightly at the age of twenty five, with more than enough time to be eased into a potentially great England team. Time is not something an already battle weary Farrell will have, in a similar manner to Iestyn Harris. Farrell will also be going into an average to mediocre team at present.

Robinson in my mind is of a special bread of character, that was balanced enough to make it.

Also let's not forget the signals this sends out to other players.

There is such a negative signal to upcoming backs who have played union all their lives.

Whilst Iestyn Harris perhaps delayed Gavin Henson's emergence on the international scene, England will opposed to toughening competition, I feel will delay any natural resources that need time and match experience.

Matthew Tait must feel fairly distraught after being dropped, I would imagine the international stage will feel considerably let down by his coach.

Financial constraints mean that the Harris "experiment" will never be repeated by the WRU, I sincerely hope that just on Principle any possible switches are ever contemplated by the union, unless a player is willing, but not at a cost. That cannot be covered by a regional benefactor, and even then the message sent out is not that great.

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