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| | Tuesday, 24 July, 2001, 20:44 GMT 21:44 UK RFU deny poaching charge  Will the Paul brothers team up in rugby union? The Rugby Football Union has denied claims that it intends to help Zurich Premiership clubs fund transfers and fees for top rugby league players. With Henry Paul's switch to union from the Bradford Bulls on the verge of being completed, the Western Daily Press reported that a radical 50% funding plan was set to be adopted in an effort to entice players from the 13-man code. But RFU chief executive Francis Baron refuted the allegations over the issue of official inducements. "Where players from rugby league wish to make a career change we will try to see how we can assist the process. "If players want to do that it is only common sense that we work together to try and effect that change for the benefit of both parties," Baron said.
"The two codes should be working together to overcome the teams in the southern hemisphere," Hetherington told BBC Five Live. "It is a misguided attitude to damage rugby league and it is sending out the wrong message to young rugby union players," he added. Paul will formally complete his move from Bradford to Gloucester on Wednesday in a lucrative deal thought to be worth around �250,000 a year. The RFU will pay �125,000 towards his annual salary, but will not have to pay part of the transfer fee because Paul is out of contract at the end of the season. League supporters fear Paul's departure will hasten the exit of other union targets. Leeds Rhinos star Iestyn Harris is another player who is on the verge of switching codes at the end of the Super League season. The Welsh international is said to be close to agreeing a move to Cardiff. And union clubs are likely to step up their interest in Wigan full-back Kris Radlinski and Bradford teenager Leon Pryce. | |
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