England Saxons rugby union international John Rudd makes his Bulls debut against Wigan Warriors on Sunday.

The powerful winger – nicknamed Rhino for his playing style – lines up in the Reserve Grade clash at Odsal having joined Bradford on trial this week.

Rudd, 28, was a regular for Newcastle Falcons last season but is now out of contract and has long held ambitions to play Super League.

He approached the Bulls, who initially showed interest in him while he was playing with Northampton Saints three years ago, and Steve McNamara has offered the former Wasps player a shot.

Hard-running Rudd started training with the Bulls on Thursday and gets his first chance to impress against Wigan’s second string (5.15pm).

“We’ve given him a little four-game trial starting with tomorrow’s match,” said McNamara.

“He’s a big winger at six foot one and 108 kilos and he’s had some success in union, playing for England Saxons last year.

“But he’s always been a big rugby league fan. He came down to see us a while back and had a little look around.

“We’re more than pleased to accommodate him and have a look at him in practice and matches.

“Obviously, there’s not a massive amount of outside backs around and when you have a player who wants to come here and has the sort of pedigree he does, we’re more than happy to see what he can do.”

In 2003, Rudd won a Premiership title and the European Challenge Cup with Wasps before later moving on to Northampton.

He has spent the last three years at Newcastle but is now looking to make a mark in the 13-man game.

McNamara will monitor Rudd’s progress over the next month but the Bulls chief’s first priority is tomorrow’s Super League contest with Wigan.

The visitors arrive on the back of a good run and looking to complete a double over Bradford, having defeated them at the JJB Stadium in March.

While admitting the Warriors are in good shape, McNamara insists his struggling men must concentrate more on themselves on Sunday afternoon.

On the back of four straight defeats, he said: “Wigan have some obvious threats and strengths but really it’s a case of us playing well.

“We have to be spot on with both our attack and defence to give ourselves the best opportunity to win.

“Wigan have been doing it tough but they’ve picked some form up over the last few weeks.

“They have put themselves in contention for the play-offs and obviously the Challenge Cup too, where they are in the semi-finals.

“I think any Bradford v Wigan match is always a good match and a tough game and this should be no different.”