Hull FC sign three-quarter

Mitieli Vulikijapani has signed a first-team contract with Hull FC following a successful trial period.

The Fijian-born outside back, who is comfortable at wing or centre, has impressed throughout pre-season earning a one-year deal, with the option for the club to extend further.

The British Army serviceman has been granted a release from active service to pursue his opportunity with the Black & Whites.

The rugby union convert, known as Mitch, has also represented Harlequins and Saracens, winning the Premiership 7s title with the latter in 2018.

He has also been a stand out player for the British Army squads in both 7s and 15-a-side rugby, whilst also representing national league side Marlborough, including the opportunity to tour the world at international 7s events.

Vulikijapani first caught the eye of the club’s management whilst representing the army, with whom he serves as a Gunner in the 47 Regiment Royal Artillery (and part of the 10 ‘Assaye’ Battery), who operate Tactical Uncrewed Ariel Systems UAV drones.

He has spent the last three months training with Hull and featured in the pre-season friendly win over York City Knights.

Having been granted permission to take temporary leave from the military to sign for Hull, he goes straight in the Black & Whites squad this weekend.

Vulikijapani said: “Firstly I want to thank everyone at the club for being so welcoming, as well as my family for supporting me on my journey.

“The players have been extremely welcoming, especially the Pacific Island players – I can’t thank them enough.

“I’ve seen them play on television before, but meeting them in person, you realise how humble they are. They’ve taught me a lot already, particularly Carlos, Mahe and Bureta.”

Explaining how he was picked up for trial by the Black & Whites, he added: “I first got a call when I was playing Rugby Union 7s for Harlequins last year and the club has been watching my army games.

“I watched a lot of Rugby League when I was young but I didn’t get the chance to play – however, having played plenty of Rugby Union 7s in my career, the two are quite similar in terms of the speed and physical one-on-one battles.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of testing myself in Rugby League and putting my skills to use in this sport.”

“I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity and I will work hard to make the most of this chance and work hard to earn a place in the first-team.

Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson added: “Mitch has a lot of potential and we’re excited to continue to develop that.

“Coming from the other code, we have had to teach him some new systems and make sure that he showed the traits and characteristics we were looking for, and he has done that; he’s strong defensively and I’m confident that he’s going to play his part this season.

“He’s a very likable character, always smiling, and always asking questions and willing to learn, and he has a strong work ethic too – he has moved away from his family which is a big commitment, but thankfully it has paid off.