The news that Abi Ekoku is to leave Bradford Bulls at the end of the season means he is the proud owner of one of the most unusual records in the game's history.

The 32-year-old is leaving Odsal to try to achieve his ambition of winning a medal as a discus thrower in the Sydney Olympics in two years time.

The switch from rugby league to discus thrower is not as strange as it sounds since Ekoku has represented his country in both the European Championships and the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

However an injury sustained in 1992 which prevented him throwing saw him take up rugby league and he was soon signed by London Crusaders.

Ekoku explained: "I have really enjoyed my time in rugby league but this is something I have to do. The game has been very good to me as I have won a championship winner's medal and also played at Wembley in the Challenge Cup final.

"That was definitely the highlight as it is the one thing I can remember about the game when I was growing up - watching the final on the television.

"Playing in the final meant a lot to me and with me retiring it also means that the final is the only Challenge Cup game I have played in, which must be unique."

Ekoku joined the Bulls at the start of the Super League title winning campaign in 1997 and says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Odsal.

"I would still like to come down here and train from time to time. I will certainly miss the camaraderie that comes with playing for a rugby league side.

"Athletics can often be a solitary activity when training. But the change is something I am determined to do.

"A sporting career is only very short and unfortunately that means you have to make sacrifices during that time.

"My brother Efan carved a career out in football and is enjoying success at Wimbledon in the Premiership. I often wonder if I could have done the same as it is a game I have always loved.

"However when the time came to make the choice I went for athletics and have never regretted that. I have come to love rugby league as well.

"I just hope that the game's decision makers can start involving the players. I am the acting chairman of the Rugby League Players' association until December and my hope is that the sport can be more democratic. The game's leaders are far too autocratic at the moment.

"The players must be involved in any decision process if rugby league is to progress."

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