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Baxter: No RU switch

25/ 6/2002

SALFORD Reds insist that highly-rated youngster Neil Baxter is going nowhere - despite rumours that he is about to quit the Willows for a career in rugby union.

The 19-year-old winger who played union for England U19s in last year's World Cup, has been linked with a code-switch after appearing to grow tired with his lack of first-team opportunities at Salford.

Baxter only made one first-team appearance for the Reds last season, and is yet to start this term after injuring his knee in a pre-season game. But the Reds have denied putting a price tag on Baxter's head and said that his future will remain with the club - and with rugby league.

Reds' media spokesman Carolyn Derbyshire said: "The £20,000 price tag has not come from us, but we realise he is an exceptional young prospect. Neil has proved his ability in both league and union, but as far as we are concerned he's going nowhere."

It is also rumoured that the England Sevens team - coached by Joe Lydon who selected him for the u19s rugby union World Cup last summer - want Baxter to train with them ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

If Baxter decides to make the code-switch he will join the likes of Henry Paul, Jason Robinson and Iestyn Harris, who have settled with various degrees of success in union.

If the rumours prove true, Sale Sharks are believed to be the most likely to secure the 19-year-old's signature - but may be willing to wait until his contract runs out at the end of the season before pouncing.