Leeds and Bradford have finally drawn a line under their prolonged dispute over the Bulls' signing of Iestyn Harris.

The arch rivals have been at loggerheads ever since Bradford signed the former Leeds captain on his return from Welsh rugby union in 2004.

A High Court ruled two years ago Leeds had first call on their former player but the clubs have only now come to a settlement, with Bradford paying an undisclosed sum in compensation and costs.

In a statement the club said: "Bradford Bulls now accept that, although when they signed Mr Harris they believed that they were free to sign him and acted in good faith in doing so, they now appreciate that in fact Mr Harris was committed to sign for Leeds Rhinos at the time, and apologise to Leeds Rhinos for doing so.

"Bradford Bulls have also agreed to pay Leeds Rhinos appropriate compensation and costs."

Bradford also issued an apology for comments made by chairman Peter Hood earlier this year in which he claimed the tug-of-war could cost his club more than £3million if they lost another court case and that could have driven the Bulls into bankruptcy.

The statement continued: "Bradford Bulls also wish to make it clear that the comments made by their chairman, Peter Hood, reported in the press at the end of January 2008 were not intended to give the impression that Leeds Rhinos' claims against Harris and Bradford Bulls were motivated by anything other than the protection of Leeds Rhinos' interests."

The resolution of the dispute will come as a big relief to Harris, who is likely to hang up his boots when his contract with Bradford ends at the end of this season.

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