Bradford Bulls have released back Jon Scales by mutual agreement. And the 24-year-old who joined Bradford from Leeds in 1995 could now be switching codes with a move to Bristol.

Bulls spokesman Stuart Duffy said: "Scales is now considering his options in both rugby league and rugby union. Bristol are among the clubs interested in signing him."

Coach Matthew Elliott added: "Jon has been here since I came to the club and has contributed to the success we have enjoyed. It is always sad to lose a player, but he goes with all our best wishes and I look forward to following his career."

Meanwhile Elliott has revealed his bid to bring controversial Aussie forward Wayne Richards to Odsal collapsed because he was unable to gain a work permit.

The Newcastle Knights star was banned for 22-games last season for illegal use of steroids but was ready to make a fresh start in England with the Bulls next season.

Elliott put the wheels in motion for a deal during his scouting mission Down Under last season but it hit the rocks when the Department of Employment intervened.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.