Hull FC announce tour plan in ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for youngsters

Hull FC have confirmed plans to take the club’s academy side on a tour of Australia.

The tour, which will see the club’s under-18s head down under, will take place in February/March 2027, with youngsters set to spend three weeks on the other side of the world.

As part of the tour, Hull have outlined their hope to play three competitive games against NRL youth sides, which will give the Black and Whites’ youngsters the chance to test themselves against their Australian counterparts. The club also hope to visit and make use of some of the best facilities available in the sport by linking up with NRL outfits.

More details of the tour will be confirmed in due course with the hope being that the trip can bolster the development of those lucky enough to go and give them the encouragement they need to make it at the MKM Stadium.

FC will be making a significant investment to send their youngsters to Australia, but they will also be fundraising over the next couple of years to ease the costs.

Hull FC CEO Richie Myler on the academy tour

“This is a hugely significant announcement for the centre of excellence, and the club as a whole,” Myler told the club website.

“A development tour of Australia offers our young athletes the ultimate experience for a youth player – an incredible opportunity to not only experience some of the best facilities in the sport and a totally different culture, but it will also help then turn from boys into young men and gain experiences they will carry with them throughout the rest of their careers.

“Whilst the club has already made a significant investment to help facilitate the tour, the generosity of our supporters and club partners will also play a significant role in assisting us, and I would like to thank anyone in advance who is able to offer their support, be it big or small.

“I know how much hard work will go into this project over the next 18 months to make the tour a success, and I thank everyone involved for undoubted their tireless efforts ahead.”

Head of youth, Richard Tate added: “This is more than just a tour; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It will expose our players to new cultures and life experiences, state of the art sporting facilities on the other side of the world, and will ultimately challenge them both on and off the field, strengthen their relationships, and inspire personal growth.”