Former England captain Will Carling confirmed his comeback to rugby after a 13-month absence when he re-signed with his old club Harlequins yesterday.

Carling (33), captain in 59 of his 73 Tests, said: "I am looking forward to taking the hits involved in League rugby.

"I am not coming back for the money. If I wanted the money, I could have taken the offers from Rugby League and Rugby Union from different countries. I have unfinished business at Harlequins after leaving abruptly a year ago. I want the chance to put things back on an even keel here."

Carling split in acrimonious circumstances with former Harlequins coach Andy Keast and hung up his boots - but temporarily.

Keast has gone and now Harlequins have a new, Carling-friendly trio of All Blacks in manager John Gallagher, player-coach Zinzan Brooke - who persuaded him to return - and assistant coach Bernie McCahill.

"I will see if I can last until the end of the season, but I have no intention of making a bid for an international comeback," said Carling. "That is definite. My comeback to club rugby will not interest England coach Clive Woodward."