Hull FC have stopped short of officially announcing signing Alrix Da Costa, though Catalans Dragons have confirmed his departure for 2027, but the Black and Whites have given an indication of what the hooker options will look like next year.
It’s previously been reported and established that French international Da Costa, a player who played under incoming head coach Steve McNamara, would be signing with Hull FC.
Catalans even announced that the hooker would depart the club in order to link up with Hull FC for 2027 and the Black and Whites have now confirmed that current number nine Amir Bourouh will be released from his contract early to sign with the Dragons.
Bourouh will play out the season at FC but he will sign with Catalans for 2027 with both FC and the Dragons confirming that.
The Black and Whites have also announced that Denive Balmforth, who is currently on loan at York Knights, will be recalled from that loan for 2027 to represent FC.
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Hull FC confirm exit of one hooker and loan return of another
The statement from Hull FC was primarily focussed around the return of Balmforth for 2027, opening: “Hull FC can confirm that Denive Balmforth will return to the club ahead of the 2027 Betfred Super League season following his loan spell with York Knights.”
They’d go on to explain that his time at York has been an ‘important part of his continued development, giving him regular Super League minutes and the opportunity to further mature as a player’.
Secondary to the news of Balmforth’s return, which will see him play alongside Da Costa and most likely utility Cade Cust, Hull FC announced that incumbent number nine Bourouh will not be at the club next year.
They said: “Hull FC can also confirm that Amir Bourouh will depart the club at the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season. Bourouh has been released from the remainder of his contract to pursue an opportunity with Catalans Dragons in 2027.”
The former Salford man had been contracted until the end of 2027 but he will leave early having signed a two-year deal with Catalans, reuniting him with head coach John Cartwright.
Les Dracs announced that signing in a statement reading: “The Dragons have just officially announced the signing of Amir Bourouh starting in the 2027 season.
“The 25-year-old English hooker from Hull FC has signed a two-year contract with the Catalans Dragons. He will therefore be tied to the club until the end of the 2028 season.”
Hull FC can confirm that Denive Balmforth will return to the club ahead of the 2027 Betfred Super League season following his loan spell with York Knights.
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