 Pryce played his last game for Bradford at Hull last Friday |
Karl Pryce has completed his move across the rugby divide by leaving league side Bradford Bulls and signing for union outfit Gloucester. The 20-year-old 6ft 6in back, who scored 17 tries in 21 appearances last season, has signed a three-year-deal.
"Karl's try-scoring record for Bradford speaks for itself," head coach Dean Ryan told the Gloucester website.
Pryce said: "I'm delighted to be joining Gloucester and can't wait to hit the ground running."
The centre was out of contract with the Bulls, whose season ended with defeat to Hull FC in a Super League Grand Final play-off eliminator.
And he added: "I've had a wonderful time at Bradford and want to thank everyone involved with the club, including an amazing set of supporters, for some fantastic memories.
 | Gloucester have a fantastic set-up, excellent training facilities and quality coaches |
"We've had another good season, but when the opportunity arose to try a different code and challenge myself in new arenas, it proved too strong to resist.
"I took advice from a number of people closest to me and, without exception, they said that Gloucester was the right club to be at.
"Dean has high ambitions for the squad and I am determined to play a big role in realising them.
"I've got a lot of hard work to do to fit in here and the biggest thing for me now is to get into the Gloucester side."
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Unlike fellow recent union converts Andy Farrell (Saracens) and Chev Walker (Bath) Pryce's move does not involve any funding from the Rugby Football Union.
And Ryan added: "He has enormous pedigree and will prove a significant addition to the Gloucester squad.
"We have been watching him for some time and believe that his physical presence will complement our other options in the back line.
"Rather than bring someone over from rugby league who only has a couple of years remaining at the highest level, in Karl we have a young player we can work with to develop his skills and make a force in rugby union."
Pryce, whose brother Leon will play in the rugby league Grand Final for St Helens on Saturday, has been linked with a move to Gloucester for several months.
The last league player to sign for Gloucester was Henry Paul, who is now back in league with London side Harlequins.
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Interview: Gloucester's Karl Pryce