Former Hull FC man finds new club after messy Bradford Bulls exit

A former Hull FC star signing has found a new club months after a very messy and public exit from Bradford Bulls.

Pele signed with Hull FC from the NRL ahead of the 2024 season but found himself released before the midway stage of the season. He’d then link up with Bradford Bulls and sign a new deal for 2025, however, that was cut short in May.

The Championship outfit released a statement confirming that they had cut ties with Pele who had informed them of his intention to cross codes to rugby union, with the club seeking advice regarding legal action.

They confirmed: “Franklin Pele, contracted to Bradford Bulls until 30th November 2025, has informed the club that he no longer wishes to represent it, after negotiating another 2025 contract elsewhere, without the knowledge of Bradford Bulls.”

A club spokesperson expressed how no player was bigger than the club and that as such, Pele had played his last match before them before they announced the club was “considering its legal position”.

Released Hull FC man Franklin Pele makes rugby union switch

It’s now been confirmed which “unnamed 3rd tier French Rugby Union club”, as Bradford Bulls put it, that the former Hull FC man has signed for.

Racing Club de Narbonne are who Pele will play for in the 2025-26 season with the former Hull FC man joining as one of 11 recruits.

It’s expected that he will play in either the centres or the back row having crossed codes with his skills praised by sporting director Charles Malet, per French outlet L’Independant.

“Whether it’s in rugby league or 15, when you see certain skills in a player, he either has that ability or he doesn’t,” Malet explained.

“In a position like his and in his style, it’s a match that I hope will be conclusive. He’s a beautiful beast. He’s very strong, hurts on impact, is always moving forward. Despite his size, he’s a player who is fast and who is capable of making cuts. He has this ability to make people play after him, it’s very interesting.

“He will have a period of adaptation in the areas where rugby union is conquered. It’s a wish on his part to switch to this sport, so that means he will be involved.”