Ex-Hull KR man and 15-cap international signs for Championship side

French international and former Hull KR man Kevin Larroyer has found a new club following his recent release from Halifax Panthers.

Halifax Panthers have spent much of the 2024 season trying to get their finances in order with the club being chased by HMRC and a winding-up petition at one point.

As such, they’ve seen a host of key players exit and Kevin Larroyer is one of the most recent to do so, however, he has found a new club within days.

Larroyer will swap Halifax for Hunslet with the 35-year-old veteran making the move to the newly-promoted side ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Whilst playing at The Shay, Larroyer would make 126 appearances in his six years that also saw him play in the squad that won the 1895 Cup in 2023 and also the Challenge Cup semi-finals against the all-conquering St Helens side.

Prior to his time in the Championship, Larroyer had played 72 games in Super League where he would represent the likes of Hull KR, Castleford Tigers and Catalans Dragons.

Former Hull KR man lands new deal in the Championship

His deal with Hunslet RLFC was confirmed by the club who announced his signing late on Friday night.

A statement announced the arrival of Larroyer who has been dubbed by the club as a ‘real marquee signing that should set mouths watering at the South Leeds Stadium’.

That statement read: “Hunslet have created waves in the Championship by snapping up French international and former Toulouse, Catalan, Hull KR and Halifax man Kevin Larroyer.

“‘Larroyer the Destroyer’ as he is nicknamed, has been a fan favourite at The Shay, making 126 appearances for the Panthers, scoring 8 tries and being part of the 2023 Halifax team that lifted the 1895 Cup.”

With Hunslet set for their first season in the Championship in 10 years, the club have looked to the former Hull KR man to bring a wealth of experience to their squad and that’s something head coach Dean Muir noted.

Once we gained promotion we knew we needed experienced Championship leadership in the group.” said Head Coach Dean Muir.

“Kevin was the one we wanted straight away. Not only does he talk well, but he leads by action. He is a direct player with great skill and fits into how we want to play the game.

“After speaking to Kev, he buys into what we want to achieve in the long term with Hunslet and will play a vital part for us this year.”

Larroyer also commented: “I’m excited about joining Hunslet for next season. I know it sounds cliché, but I’m looking forward to this challenge with a newly promoted team in a Championship competition which is getting tougher and tougher.

“I watched Hunslet’s matches in the League One play-offs and there are a lot of talented young players at the club who I’m excited to see how they will develop in the Championship.

“When I met Dean and Kyle, I quickly felt their excitement about taking up this challenge in the Championship and their vision for the club excited me.

“The desire they had to bring me to the Club was a big part of my decision to join Hunslet, and at my age it’s very important to be somewhere where you feel wanted and valued.”