Jones switches codes
Rising star Josh Jones has turned his back on a future with Rugby League side St Helens and has opted for the Rugby Union version of the game after agreeing a two-year deal with Premiership club Exeter.
St Helens, who won the Super League Grand Final last October, part ways with the centre or back row forward – who says he can't wait to take up a new opportunity.
"It's a new challenge for me and my family but it's one that we're all really looking forward to," said Jones.
"Exeter are a great club, they've just come off the back of a fantastic season and having watched them a few times on the TV, I like the style they play and the way they go about things.
"Hopefully I can go down there, add a bit to the squad using my experience from playing Super League and look to make my mark as quickly as possible.
"Obviously it's a big change for me, I've been with the Saints since I was 13 but I think it's a good move.
"I'm focused on seeing out what I hope will be another great year with St Helens. They have always been a big part of my life just because I've been here for so long."
Jones, who had a brief spell in rugby union with his home-town club Preston Grasshoppers, becomes Exeter's eighth signing of a busy summer.
Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter said: "It became known to us that Josh was one of those guys who was interested in playing rugby union so we kept an eye on the situation and waited to see how things panned out.
"We were fortunate to have a meeting with him and he is a very impressive young man. He is very driven by what he wants to achieve in league and union.
"Just seeing how driven and ambitious he was about succeeding in union was impressive – sometimes those meetings can almost be the deciding factor. When you see someone's personal qualities is a big thing for me.
Agence France-Presse
