Kyle Eastmond

Kyle Eastmond is a retired, dual-code rugby player who is one of only a handful of professionals to have played rugby union and league at domestic and international level. Known for his stocky build, pace and excellent kicking abilities, Eastmond typically played as a centre, but his versatility meant he also often played as a fullback.

Born in Oldham in July 1987, Kyle Eastmond first began playing rugby league, following in the footsteps of his cousin Miles Greenwood. He initially played at amateur level for local side Oldham St Annes, but then in 2007 signed for St Helens. Eastmond stayed with Saints until 2011 and enjoyed a successful spell with the club, including a Challenge Cup win in 2008. In 2009 he also played for the England rugby league side in the Four Nations tournament of that year.

Kyle Eastmond made the switch to rugby union when his Saints contract ended, joining Bath in October 2011. Although injury meant he didn’t make his debut for the side until early 2012, he quickly adjusted to the game and became a stalwart of the Bath side as a commanding inside centre, he also formed a strong partnership with George Ford. Eastmond left Bath in 2016 and signed for Wasps, however due to recurring injuries he didn’t enjoy the same levels of success as he did with his former clubs and often found himself limited to sub appearances. Less than two years later he went on to sign for Leicester Tigers, but was blighted by the same problems and left the club before the start of the 2020-21 season.

Kyle Eastmond briefly returned to rugby league in 2021 signing for Leeds Rhinos, however in May of the same year he retired from the game after making only two appearances for the West Yorkshire side.

At international level, Kyle Eastmond earned his first official cap for the England national side in 2013 in a test match against Argentina, he then started his next match and scored his first try. He played his final game for England in 2014 against South Africa at Twickenham and in total wore the red rose six times.