Former Hull FC man locks in club for 2023

Kieran Buchanan, though only 23 himself, is about to go into his fifth season.

The versatile back started his career at Hull FC in 2019 alongside spending some time on loan at Doncaster ahead of joining Batley Bulldogs in 2021.

He made his Super League debut for Hull back in 2019 against Catalans Dragons an accolade recently topped by his Rugby League World Cup debut for Scotland as they lost to Italy in their opening game and Buchanan’s first for Scotland.

Now that Scotland’s tournament has concluded, he has committed his future to Batley for 2023 following in the footsteps of Michael Ward and Ben White who have also done so recently.

So far it’s been an interesting off-season for the Bulldogs. They have lost key pivots Tom Gilmore and Luke Hooley but signed former Wigan Warriors halfback Josh Woods.

Meanwhile, they have signed Wales skipper Elliot Kear and are set to welcome Keegan Hirst as he returns from retirement in 2023.

Buchanan’s decision reinforces Batley’s position as they again look to make the play-offs having made the Championship Grand Final in 2022.

Buchanan can play centre, wing or fullback but is perhaps best at centre where he played for Scotland during the World Cup.

He will be hoping to play a key role as Batley strive to sustain their positive trajectory under impressive coach Craig Lingard.