Haughton makes code switch to join Oldham

Oldham have attracted the former Great Britain forward, Simon Haughton, back to the game after almost three seasons away. The 29-year-old second-rower, who has been playing rugby union for Orrell since 2002, made his name with Wigan, winning a Super League Grand Final with them in 1998.

Oldham have attracted the former Great Britain forward, Simon Haughton, back to the game after almost three seasons away. The 29-year-old second-rower, who has been playing rugby union for Orrell since 2002, made his name with Wigan, winning a Super League Grand Final with them in 1998.

"We are delighted to have captured him, as he is someone with a real pedigree in the game," said Chris Hamilton, the chairman of the National League One club.

Leeds coach, Tony Smith, has given some clues as to how he may cover for the loss of his first-choice hooker, Matt Diskin, who has been ruled out for up to six months for a knee reconstruction. Smith has been searching the world for a replacement, but, for the Boxing Day friendly against Wakefield Trinity, has named Andrew Dunemann, normally a half-back, in the role. "We are weighing up our options at the moment," said Smith.

The England rugby union squad is to train with the Rhinos for two days next month. The new England coach, Andy Robinson, has expressed a wish to see what he can learn from league training methods.