Hull FC sign son of Hall of Famer in latest academy intake

Hull FC have announced their latest intake of academy talent, with 15 youngsters signed up for the 2025 season.

The group were presented to the MKM Stadium on Saturday as the first-team took on Catalans Dragons in their final game of the regular Super League season and those eagle eyed supporters will have spotted a few familiar surnames.

The most notable youngster on the roster is Josh Horne, who is the son of FC Hall of Fame half-back Richard Horne. A product of Skirlaugh Bulls, Horne has come through the club’s scholarship programme and he’ll be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps by representing the Black and Whites first team one day.

The 16-year-old plays the same position as his dad, but he can also deputise at hooker, and supporters will be keeping a keen eye on his progress as he strives to make his way through the ranks, no doubt.

Of course, Richard Horne made 386 appearances for his hometown club during his career, making his debut in 1999, when he was just 16, before retiring in 2014. He collected 12 caps for Great Britain and is currently a head coach at Championship club Doncaster.

Another familiar name is that of Jake Staveley, with his brother Nick currently pushing to become a regular in the first-team set up in East Yorkshire. The eldest of the brothers saw his progress stunted this season after seeing his campaign brought to a premature end by a knee injury.

The club have cast their net far and wide in order to find talent for their youth ranks it seems with players being brought in from Surrey and Cumbria, too.