Premiership sees another player make rugby league switch

Newcastle Falcons’ Jack Metcalf has joined rugby league outfit Leeds Rhinos on a one-month trial.

The Yorkshire-born back grew up playing rugby league before embarking on a career in union, but will mark his return with a Leeds side that side in fourth-place in the Super League ladder.

The 24-year-old joined the Falcons last summer from Doncaster Knights in the Championship and went on to make four appearances in the north east.

Metcalf will follow in the footsteps of Gloucester’s Christian Wade, who joined Super League champions Wigan Warriors at the end of the Gallagher Premiership season.

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Newcastle are set to see a number of players leave the club this summer, and Metcalf has become the latest player to join that list.

The club’s fortunes may change, however, with energy drinks giant Red Bull on the verge of buying the club.

Falcons director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “Jack is a talented sportsman who applied himself well during his time with us, and I’d like to thank him and wish him all the best for his move.

“This is a great opportunity to head back to his home county of Yorkshire, and with the ability he has got I would back him to make a real go of it in rugby league.”

Leeds Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are pleased to give Jack an opportunity to join us on trial for a month. In Union, he has played full back, centre and wing and this will be a chance for him to test himself in rugby league. He is a Leeds lad and he has settled in well with the group already.”