Rugby league partnership strengthens ties between Hull FC and Wales
New development agreement aims to nurture young talent in South Wales
Hull FC has announced a new collaboration with Wales Rugby League to form a Rugby League Development Agreement aimed at promoting the sport among young athletes in South Wales.
The agreement will focus on enhancing the skills of young players and coaches, and fostering the growth of community clubs across the region. The initiative will involve community clubs, schools, and grassroots organisations to create a sustainable pathway into continued participation with the Hull FC Centre of Excellence and educational opportunities at the University of Hull.
A significant element of the partnership is talent identification, with Hull FC already enhancing its youth ranks by recruiting Welsh players Charlie Cullen-Thomas, Joshua Harding, and Will Mathers.
As part of the deal, U14s and U16s representative teams from South Wales will visit Hull for exhibition matches against Hull FC Scholars and Development sides in May.
Richard Tate, Hull FC's Head of Youth, expressed enthusiasm for the project. "Creating a development hub in South Wales alongside Wales Rugby League is a really exciting step for us," Tate said.
Francis Cummins, Academy & Transition Head Coach at Hull FC, highlighted the impact on young athletes, stating the hub offers a pathway to elite Rugby League environments.
James Davies, Chairman of Wales Rugby League, emphasized the broader significance of the partnership. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing talent and providing clear, meaningful routes for players to experience rugby league at an elite level," Davies said. He also noted that the collaboration would extend beyond rugby to instil values such as teamwork, discipline, respect, and resilience in young athletes.
The collaboration is expected to enhance the sporting opportunities for young players in Wales in the coming years.