Hull FC have confirmed the capture of Samoan prop Ligi Sao from New Zealand Warriors.
The 26-year-old will join the Black and Whites on a two-year deal from 2020 alongside fellow NRL recruits Mahe Fonua, Manu Ma’u and Tevita Satae, as well as UK-based signings Josh Jones, Adam Swift and Jordan Johnstone.
He has played over 40 NRL games for Manly and the Warriors since making his debut in 2013, as well as earning his first Samoa international cap last year.
Sao becomes Hull’s seventh signing for next season, following Parramatta’s Manu Ma’u to West Hull.
“I’m pretty excited to be heading over to Super League and to Hull FC,” he told Hull’s club website. “I know the club have been going pretty well over the past few years so I’m really pleased to be joining a positive environment which that success has created.
“As a Rugby League player in Australia, a lot of players who make the move to Super League do so at the back end of their career, but I saw this as a big opportunity for me while I’m in the prime of my career to show what I’m about.
“I’m aware of how impressive the club have been in recent years – the boys are going pretty well this season and obviously there was the two Challenge Cups a few years back, so for me it was a chance to push myself to the next level. You can’t turn down a big club and a big chance like this.
Lee Radford has led an impressive recruitment drive in 2019.
“My family are really excited to move to the UK too. We’ve loved our time in New Zealand but it’s an exciting time for them too to see the other side of the world.”
FC head coach Lee Radford added: “Like all our new recruits, Ligi fits the bill in terms of his character and attitude which was a big factor in our recruitment this year.
“I know James has spent a lot of time speaking to all our 2020 signings, Ligi in particular, and he like everyone we have spoken to about him have all sung his praises.”
