Rhinos sign ex-Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers forward from Hull FC

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed their sixth signing for 2027.

French international prop Hugo Salabio has penned a one-year deal after spending the past two campaigns with Hull FC. He will join the squad in pre-season alongside fellow recruits centre Nick Cotric, second-rower Edenn Rogers-Smith (both from Catalans Dragons), back-rower Morgan Gannon (New Zealand Warriors), stand-off/loose-forward Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels) and prop Wiremu Greig (North Queensland Cowboys).

Marseille-born Salabio, 26, made 12 Super League appearances for Hull FC this year and has also featured in the top-flight for Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers. He played for St Esteve and Pia in the French domestic competition and has Championship experience with Toulouse, Doncaster and Halifax Panthers, the latter two on loan from Hull.

New Leeds Rhinos signing Hugo Salabio, left tackles future teammate Cooper Jenkins at Headingley last season. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. | Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

placeholder image — New Leeds Rhinos signing Hugo Salabio, left tackles future teammate Cooper Jenkins at Headingley last season. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. | Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Famously, he was handed a seven-game ban after being sent off for a dangerous throw on Richie Myler when Leeds lost at Wakefield in 2023. Salabio said: “I’m really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos.

“I was a Rhinos fan growing up and used to go to AMT Headingley to watch the Rhinos when I was younger, so to have the opportunity to represent this club is something special for me. Leeds is a massive club with a great history and I’ve always admired the team and the supporters.

“To now be able to pull on the Rhinos shirt and play in front of those fans is something I’m really looking forward to. I want to come in, work hard, learn as much as I can and do everything possible to help the team be successful. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”

Rhinos coach Brad Arthur described Salabio as a “strong, physical forward who will give us another option in the middle of the field”. He said: “He has experience playing in Super League and at international level and we believe he can come in and make a positive contribution to the group. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club and working with him over the coming season.”

Sporting Director Ian Blease added: “We’re pleased to have secured Hugo’s signing for the 2027 season. He is a player we believe can add something to our forward pack and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team.

“We’ve had some positive conversations with Hugo about what we want to achieve at Leeds and the role he could play within that. I know he is looking forward to a big pre-season with the squad.”