Ollie Holmes becomes the third man in two days to leave Leigh Leopards for Hull FC

Forward Ollie Holmes has become the third player to make the decision to leave Leigh Leopards and sign for Hull FC in 2025 as the Black and Whites raid Derek Beaumont’s side.

Following the announcement yesterday that Zak Hardaker would sign for Hull FC in 2025 on a two-year deal, the Black and Whites followed up by confirming Ed Chamberlain’s arrival today at 5 pm, before Ollie Holmes’ at 6 pm.

It takes Hull FC’s recruitment tally for 2025 to six new players but incredibly four have come from Leigh Leopards.

Hull FC confirmed the signing of Ollie Holmes in a statement released on their club website.

It read: “Hull FC are delighted to announce the signing of Oliver Holmes from Leigh Leopards for the 2025 Betfred Super League season.

“The back-rower has signed a two year deal with the Black & Whites, keeping him at the MKM Stadium until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.

“The 31-year old experienced forward has over 280 senior career appearances under his belt since his senior debut in 2010.”

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Hull FC swoop for fourth Leigh player

It’s quite ridiculous for one club to sign four players from one club in the same transfer window with all four men set to swap leopard print for black and white stripes in 2025.

Holmes has signed on a two-year deal meaning that the four men will all play together until the end of the 2026 season, at which point the contracts of Holmes and Hardaker will expire.

It’s a return back over the Penines for Ollie Holmes following his 228-game spell with Castleford Tigers over the course of 12 years, however, he will be playing in Humberside as opposed to West Yorkshire.

Director of Rugby Richie Myler spoke glowingly about the quality and experience that Holmes will bring to the club, proving to be a brilliant sounding board for the younger talents that Hull FC have been nurturing and bringing into the first team of late.

Myler said: “Oliver brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our back-row options in 2025 – he’s been one of the most consistent performers in his position over the last decade, and we’re pleased to add him to our ranks.

“Similarly with the signing of Zak (Hardaker), we’re hoping that he can play a key role in using that experience to help develop some of the young talented forwards we have at our disposal next season.”

Holmes  becomes FC’s sixth recruit ahead of the 2025 campaign, joining fellow Leopards teammates Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain, as well as powerhouse forward John Asiata, dangerous playmaker Jordan Abdull, and talented young hooker Amir Bourouh.