Bulls legend Lesley Vainikolo today confirmed his cross-code switch to Gloucester but admitted: Bradford's my home.

The worst-kept secret in rugby league was due to be announced at a press conference this afternoon and The Volcano will join up with his new team-mates at the end of June.

The Bulls - who have drawn Huddersfield in the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals - granted their cult hero a release from his Odsal contract so he can fulfil his union "dream".

And prolific Vainikolo was fulsome in praise of the club that helped make him a world star since leaving Canberra Raiders in 2002.

"First and foremost I want to thank everyone connected with Bradford Bulls, including my team-mates, the staff and all the supporters for making the last five years so memorable," said the blockbusting New Zealand winger.

"Bradford is my home and I know I'll be back. I'm determined to go out on a high and want to contribute as much as possible over the next six weeks before I make the switch."

Everything is set for the fans favourite to sign off in style. His last Super League match will be at arch-rivals Leeds Rhinos on June 29 when revenge-seeking Bradford get a first chance to right the wrongs of their Cardiff travesty.

Giant Vainikolo has probably had more impact on the summer era than any one else with his phenomenal record currently standing at 143 tries in 146 Bradford games.

His power and pace have proved a devastating combination and there will be countless wingers breathing a huge sigh of relief now he has accepted a lucrative three-year deal to head into union.

The Bulls chairman Peter Hood said the decision to release the 28-year-old early from his contract - it wasn't due to expire until 2009 - wasn't taken lightly.

"Lesley came to see me and said that he still had a burning desire to see if he could replicate his rugby league success in union," he said.

"There aren't many players who have achieved as much as Lesley has with Bradford, or who have given fans so much pleasure with their performances, which I'm not sure we will ever see beaten in Super League.

"In view of this and his five years' unflinching commitment and service to the Bulls, we agreed should we be able to secure a world-class replacement we would not stand in the way of his dream.

"Lesley knows he's welcome back at Bradford any time and we genuinely wish him every success."

Vainikolo initially rebuffed Gloucester's first approach in 2005.

The Kiwi instead signed a four-year deal to stay at Odsal where he has now won every honour in the game including two Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and a Challenge Cup.

He smashed the Super League try-scoring record with 37 tries in only 26 appearances three years ago, forming a lethal combination with Shontayne Hape.

However, the flamboyant player did not resist Gloucester's second attempt to lure him to the Guinness Premiership.

Mindful of Vainikolo's heavy burden on the salary cap and with his creaking knees likely to restrict future campaigns, the Bulls agreed to the move, having found a top replacement in Kiwi Tame Tupou and having received compensation.

Vainikolo joins former Bull Karl Pryce at beaten Premiership finalists Gloucester, who yesterday also announced the capture of top Australian hooker Jeremy Paul.