Hull FC to lose Mitieli Vulikijapani for Super League clash due to unique reason

Hull FC centre Mitieli Vulikijapani has been called up to represent the British Army in this weekend’s Babcock Trophy match.

The annual clash at London’s Twickenham Stadium sees the Army Rugby Union team take on the Royal Navy, with a capacity crowd of 80,000 expected on Saturday 30th April (2.00pm kick-off).

It’ll be the first time the match has been played since 2019 due to the pandemic, which featured former Black & Whites winger and fellow Fijian Ratu Naulago who was called up for the last clash, as the Army ran out 27-11 winners.

Vulikijapani’s switch of codes this weekend means he will be unavailable for selection for this weekend’s Betfred Super League Round 11 fixture for Hull FC as they take on Toulouse Olympique at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

The Babcock Trophy is a prestigious event within military circles and is seen as a major honour for serving members to be selected for the match at Twickenham Stadium.

Hull FC head coach, Brett Hodgson, said: “We’re obviously disappointed to lose Mitch this week as he was in very good form for us, but this is a prestigious event for the armed services and a notable honour for players serving in the military who are selected for the match, so we understand Mitch’s desire to play and what this occasion means to him and his family.

“As part of our arrangement with the Army, we have certain obligations which we must adhere to, of which this is one, so we look forward to Mitch representing the club at Twickenham and hopefully helping his army side to a win.

“He is obviously gutted to have to leave his club teammates behind this week, but he will be ready to rip in again on his return. We look forward to welcoming Mitch back into our squad next week and everyone at the club wishes him well this weekend.”

He added, “We have a great working relationship with the Army at senior level which continues to go from strength to strength.”

The club would like to wish Mitch and the British Army side the very best of luck in this weekend’s fixture.