Eastmond will depart Saints to switch codes

ST HELENS did all they could to keep rising star Kyle Eastmond, according to assistant coach Kieron Purtill.

The 21-year-old Eastmond ended weeks of speculation yesterday by confirming he will switch codes at the end of the season and join Bath on a three-year contract.

Eastmond was nurtured by St Helens from the age of 11, but rejected the offer of a new contract.

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“It has been a long, hard and carefully thought-out decision but I feel that this opportunity was too good to miss and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he said. “Obviously I am still contracted to St Helens for the reminder of this season and am 100 per cent committed to contributing to a successful year.”

Speaking at a press conference at St Helens, Purtill added: “It’s always disappointing when you produce one of your home-grown players and they move on.

“A lot of time and effort from a lot of coaches has been put into Kyle and the club did everything in their power to keep him.

“Ultimately it wasn’t a financial decision, he wanted a chance to try his hand at rugby union.

“He’s entitled to do that, but he’s committed to the end of the year and hopefully he can finish in the right way.”

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