Former Hull FC and Castleford Tigers coach on whether he’d ever return to rugby league

Former Hull FC and Castleford Tigers head coach Lee Radford has discussed whether or not he’d ever make a return to rugby league.

Radford jumped ship to the other code, joining Northampton Saints in 2023 as a defensive coach, and whilst he didn’t rule it out completely, he’s happy staying in rugby union for the time being.

He spent over six years at Hull FC as head coach before moving to Castleford for just over a season in 2022.

However, it doesn’t look like he’ll be back in league any time soon as he shared on BBC Radio Humberside.

Speaking on a potential return, he said: “Not any time soon. I’ve just signed an extension at Northampton and I’m really enjoying my time. It’s been a great transition for myself.”

Radford also admitted that he doesn’t get the chance to watch much rugby league anymore, due to the packed fixture list in rugby union for Northampton right now.

When asked if he misses league, he added: “I do and I don’t. I’m obviously very busy watching union, the fixtures for us at the moment are coming thick and fast, so you don’t tend to get much time to watch rugby league, particularly Super League. If I do watch it, I watch the NRL, a couple of our boys at Northampton are big NRL fans, so we have a fantasy league going.”

Former Hull FC coach Radford talks last season’s poor performances and pleasing 2025 showing for the Black and Whites

The former Hull FC boss also discussed the team’s prospects for 2025 and reflected on last season’s disappointment.

He finished: “Last season, I went to Hull FC v Castleford and they got beaten on that afternoon, and it was poor watching.

“The squad that they were obviously fielding at the time was a lot of young blokes selected. Hopefully, that has benefited them in the long term ,and they’ll be better for that.

“The players they’ve brought in within the pre-season, like Asiata and Hardaker, they’re putting their hands up every week consistently, so hopefully, that can continue. It’s really pleasing.”