Leeds Rhinos release former England international as next destination confirmed

Leeds Rhinos have announced that one of their key players will be released from his contract a year early, and his next career move has already been announced.

Signing from Salford Red Devils ahead of the 2024 season, hooker Andy Ackers was part of a major double coup by the Rhinos, as they paid £300,000 to bring in him and half-back Brodie Croft.

Croft has shown glimpses of his Man of Steel winning form, and whilst there is still room for improvement, has been the better signing of the two. Ackers, though, has failed to live up to his part of the price tag, and has not shown the form he had a Salford that earned him an England call-up in 2022.

He played 25 of 28 matches last year, and was a prominent starter, however this year he has struggled with injuries and that has seen him dropped to second choice hooker, with Jarrod O’Connor taking the starting nine role under Brad Arthur this campaign.

The 31-year-old, who played for his country in the most recent World Cup, has had a poor couple of seasons by his standards and despite having a year left on his contract, will move on to pastures new in 2026.

Making just seven starting appearances this year, and a further three from the bench, Ackers will now leave the Rhinos to join a Championship club hoping to be in the top division next year, and will go there to reclaim a starting jersey once again.

Championship club fend off interest “from a leading Super League club” to sign former England hooker

Linking up with former coach Kurt Haggerty, Ackers will now join Bradford Bulls for the upcoming season, after signing a two-year deal.

The Bulls revealed in their announcement that they have “beaten off competition from a leading Super League club” to secure his signing, and whilst it is unknown who that club is, it shows real intent from the West Yorkshire side that they want to be playing in the top division.

The Wigan academy product, who has made over 100 Super League appearances, spoke on the move and hopes he can get back to his best in a Bulls jersey.

He said: “I am really excited. When my agent told me my time at Leeds was coming to an end and with Kurt getting the job at Bradford, it was a no brainer really. I worked with him at Toronto and Salford, he knows me as a bloke and vice versa. I trust him and he trusts me, Bradford is a massive club with a rich history and I cannot wait to get going again and get my love back for playing.”

“I still haven’t played my best rugby yet, the last couple of years have been a bit hit and miss but knowing Kurt and the relationship I have with him I really do think he’ll get the best out of me. I won’t just be relying on Kurt but also my mentality to come in and lead the squad, I just have a good feeling about this move.

“Kurt was a big influence but knowing everything the club have got planned behind the scenes and the team they are recruiting, it sounds the right fit for me. Bradford have re-established themselves now, it is a fresh challenge for me and something I am proud to be a part of.

Haggerty, who has replaced Bulls legend Brian Noble as head coach, described this move as a “statement signing.” He said:

“I am delighted to get the signing of Andy over the line. This is a statement signing for the club.

“Andy was playing international rugby for England at the last World Cup, which shows the pedigree of player we have managed to acquire here at the Bulls.”

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