Wales gamble £2m on League stars

The package for Harris will include an £800,000 transfer fee to Leeds Rhinos, a hospitality box at the Millennium Stadium worth £250,000 and a further £100,000 a year from the governing body as part of his wage agreement. Cunningham's deal will cost the WRU £400,000 in transfer fees and £300,000 in wages.

Harris will get a further £400,000 in wages from Cardiff and Cunningham another £300,000 from Swansea. The whole deal is worth almost £3m over four years.

The two players, who would have played for Great Britain in this autumn's rugby league series against Australia, are among the best in the world.

Cunningham, who has been the subject of several inquiries from Twickenham to turn to union, was outstanding for Wales against England last week and Harris, who has been suffering with a wrist injury, has been at his customary brilliant best for Leeds this season.

Phillips said: 'They are great players and, what's more, they are Welsh boys through and through. It is important for the public to see two of their own coming home to play.'

Harris will have his arm in plaster for six weeks because of the ligament damage to his left wrist but he still hopes to go out on a high before he quits league.

He said last week: 'My aim all season has been to play in the Grand Final and that hasn't changed.'

But Leeds are by no means certain to make the Super League play-offs after a disappointing season, particularly now their inspirational captain will miss a tough seven-match run-in.

The news of the deal has already brought a positive reaction from the rest of Wales.

Former league international Allan Bateman, who is now back playing at Neath, said: 'It's great news for Welsh rugby.

'Obviously they will need a couple of months to settle in but I am sure they will adapt very well. They are very professional in their attitude.'