International prop leaves Featherstone Rovers with immediate effect

Featherstone Rovers have confirmed that prop McKenzie Yei will leave the club with immediate effect, cutting short his spell with the Championship side.

Yei joined the Flat Cappers ahead of the 2023 season and made 20 appearances for the side during his stint with the club but it’s now been confirmed that he will leave with immediate effect.

The 26-year-old has played just once so far in 2024 coming on from the bench in the Challenge Cup defeat at the hands of Leigh Leopards a fortnight ago.

News of Yei’s departure was confirmed by Featherstone Rovers via their social media and club website, on which they released a statement.

It read: “Featherstone Rovers can announce that McKenzie Yei has departed the club with immediate effect.

“Yei has been plagued by injury in recent times and will now be taking some time away from Rugby League to focus on his rehabilitation.

“Since joining the club ahead of the 2023 season, the crowd favourite made 20 appearances for Featherstone Rovers, scoring 5 tries.”

Yei’s departure marks yet another player from the 2023 squad leaving with Featherstone having one of the highest turnovers in players at the end of last season. In total 17 players were released from the club, a figure that rose during pre-season to 19, and Yei now becomes another casualty from that 2023 campaign.

Featherstone Rovers also lost new signing Ben Reynolds without the half playing a single league game when Hull KR bought the ex-Leigh man, highlighting the tough time the club are going through.

Injuries cut short PNG international’s stay at Featherstone Rovers

There was plenty of anticipation when Yei was confirmed as signing for Rovers, particularly given his impressive performances for Papua New Guinea in the World Cup.

The prop spoke about his desire to help the club into Super League upon signing, something that Rovers failed to do despite being runaway League Leaders Shield winners last year.

Featherstone’s statement continued with head coach James Ford adding: “I have really enjoyed working with McKenzie and I know that the fans have enjoyed watching him play.

“He’s been a real favourite on and off field. Unfortunately, after picking up a knee injury, he’s not quite nailed his rehab. He’s going to spend some time away from rugby to complete that and we wish him the very best.”

Yei himself thanked the fans: “I would like to say thank you for everything that the club and the fans have given me during my time here.

“I’ve always felt the love from you all, either on and off the field, and I’ll always be a flatcapper!”

Featherstone Rovers are set to face Bradford Bulls tomorrow at Post Office Road.