Preston Grasshoppers announces arrival of league legend

Date: 01 November 2011

Long Joins Hoppers

Sean Long, former St Helens rugby league legend is to be unveiled as a Preston Grasshoppers player at 5.00pm on Thursday November 3rd.

Long has played for league sides, Wigan, Widnes and Hull and has represented England and Great Britain at scrum half / half back, although he has also played at stand off.  He has also set the St Helens record for the number of points scored in a Super League season, gaining 284 points in 1999 and 352 in 2000.

He retired from playing rugby league in August 2011 after playing for Hull for two years and is currently in a coaching role with Salford City Reds.

Long, 35, who has won every honour in the League code will play for Preston Grasshoppers at the National League Two North level. His first game for Hoppers will be on November 19 against Hull Ionians at Lightfoot Green, Preston.

Michael Bailey, Preston Grasshoppers’ chairman of Rugby commented on Long’s signing. “Sean is undoubtedly a legend in rugby league and widely respected by fans of the union code. To have a player of his calibre in the team will bring a new found confidence to our players and bring additional skills and abilities to the team. Sean will be playing home and away games, which will help other clubs in our league since the RFU funding has been dented. We’re delighted he’s signed for us and welcome him to the Hoppers’ fold.”

Sean said: “It’s been an ambition of mine to play union and now seemed the right time to do it. Preston Grasshoppers has a great reputation as club and a team that produces quality players. Wade Dooley, Will Greenwood and Steve Borthwick are just a few of the players that have graced the first team pitch and I’ll be delighted to become someone who has joined this impressive list.”

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