Hull FC announce third 2026 signing as Championship forward joins

Hull FC have announced the signing of York Knights forward Connor Bailey ahead of the 2026 season.

Bailey joins the Black and Whites on a two-year deal until the end of the 2027 season with the club holding the option to extend that deal by another season should they see fit.

The back-rower makes the move from York, where he has been one of the Championship’s club’s strongest performers over the last couple of years. Bailey has scored 19 tries in 60 appearances with his most recent effort coming last weekend against Doncaster.

He was part of the Knights side that won the 1895 Cup earlier this year and ahead of the final game of the regular Championship season, York currently sit two points clear on top of the table. He’ll remain with the Knights until their season comes to an end, but he’ll hope to have to add the Championship title to his trophy haul this season.

The 24-year-old started his career in Super League with Wakefield Trinity in 2020, but managed to make just five appearances for the club before moving on to join Newcastle Thunder.

He made 73 appearances in the North East before joining York for the 2024 season and he can now look forward to having another crack at the top flight.

Connor Bailey on joining Hull FC

“Signing for a club like Hull FC is one of the proudest moments of my career and I’m really looking forward to it,” he told the club website.

“I’ve been playing with a lot of confidence this year and that’s been helped by how strong York have been going in the Championship, obviously within touching distance of lifting the League Leaders’ Shield and winning the 1895 Cup at Wembley.

“Super League is a different ball game compared to the Championship, but hopefully I’ll be able to carry that confidence over in a new environment, which I know is full of a great bunch of players and staff.

“I already know a few of the players – I played with Yusuf [Aydin] at Wakey and a few of the younger lads have been at York for short spells. I’m really looking forward to it now.”

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Director of rugby, Gareth Ellis, added: “I think this is a great piece of business for both parties. It’s a great chance for Connor to take his game to the next level at Super League, and we are getting our hands on one of the Championship’s best forwards.

“Connor is a really enthusiastic individual and I am confident he will be a fantastic addition to our squad for 2026.

“His versatility will be a key asset for us, as he is able to cover second-row, halfback, loose forward and centre.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Connor to the club in 2026 and we’d like to wish him all the best for the remainder of his time with York Knights as they go in search of more silverware this year.”