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Howard's hopes

Australian fly-half signs with Leicester

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Posted: Thursday July 02, 1998 02:49 PM

Alan Tait (right) of Scotland is tackled by Pat Howard (David Rogers/Allsport)

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Former Wallaby Pat Howard, his test hopes seemingly blocked, has joined English club Leicester.

Howard, who has played 20 tests at fly-half or inside center, is currently out of calculations with Stephen Larkham considered a long-term hope at pivot and Tim Horan and Daniel Herbert playing well in the centers.

Howard, 24, admitted the move to England probably signaled the end of his hopes of playing in next year's World Cup. He has spent three seasons with the ACT Brumbies in the Super 12 competition.

"I am available to play for Australia and I accept that moving away will affect my chances of making next year's World Cup squad," Howard said. "I am still very keen to represent my country."

He will join Leicester in August but said it was a difficult decision to leave Australian rugby.

However, the 24-year pharmacist said the chance to also further his studies at Cambridge University was an opportunity to good to pass up.

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