New Bulls recruit Elliot Kear attracted strong interest from leading Aviva Premiership outfit London Wasps before completing his dream move to Odsal.

The 22-year-old former Crusaders wing became the Bulls’ fifth close-season signing this week when he penned a three-year deal.

Kear rose to prominence with Crusaders but left the Wrexham-based outfit in the wake of their financial woes which forced them to quit Super League.

He enjoyed a highly successful loan spell at Championship side Hunslet last season before returning to Crusaders and producing a number of sparkling displays.

His performances attracted admiring glances from several rugby union clubs, most notably Wasps, and a firm offer from Widnes.

Yet Kear chose Bradford, a move which his agent, Richard Cramer, believes will benefit his career massively.

Cramer told the T&A: “I spoke to (Wasps coach) Shaun Edwards about Elliot because Wasps were looking for a back-three player. I sent them footage of Elliot and I know Shaun quite liked him, so there was definite interest there.

“But then Wasps had a change of director of rugby, with Tony Hanks leaving and Dai Young coming in.

“It didn’t really materialise after that but other rugby union clubs were also keen, plus Widnes made Elliot an offer before he opted for Bradford.”

Cardiff-born Kear, who joins former Crusaders team-mate Jarrod Sammut at Odsal, has followed the Bulls closely since he switched from union to league as a teenager.

Although ostensibly a wing, he can also fill in at full back.

Cramer added: “I don’t want to over-hype Elliot but he has the right attitude and that is the key.

“He’s done it the hard way at Crusaders and had a really good grounding.

“Now he has the confidence of being recruited by a huge club like Bradford, I think he can really kick on next season.

“The Bulls is a big step up from Crusaders but Elliot has genuine pace and is a brave player – he’s determined to succeed.”

Kear’s loan spell at Hunslet gave his career a huge shot in the arm.

Cramer explained: “Elliot could have felt sorry for himself after being sent to Hunslet but he knuckled down, despite playing out of position at centre, and won several man-of-the-match awards.

“He had a point to prove to Iestyn Harris at Crusaders and when he went back there he showed that he was capable of playing in Super League.”