Hull FC offer SL debut for Canadian players

Hull FC have joined up with the Canadian Rugby League to offer Canadian players the chance to play in Super League.

The best Canadian 18-22 year olds will be offered the chance to play for the Airlie Birds and try to impress the club’s coaches on a month long scholarship programme.

Should they be good enough, Hull FC will offer them long term contracts which could go onto see the debut of Super League’s first Canadian player.

Director of Rugby Shaun McRae said: “Canada is still a developing rugby league nation, it’s currently one the fastest growing countries for the game around the world and certainly home to some tremendous athletes who are already heavily influenced by sports such as ice hockey and Canadian football.

“From a Hull FC point of view, the club will be able to offer them invaluable advice and support when it comes to growing their individual clubs and the sport as a whole, whilst there is no doubt that their players will certainly enhance their development by spending time with us here in England.”

Canadian Rugby League was formed two years ago, but has quickly become one of the fastest growing rugby league nations in the world.

The CRL operate nine clubs in both Ontario and British Columbia, spreading the game across the nation.

Super League and NRL television coverage in Canada matches that of coverage in the UK.

CRL chairman Eric Perez stressed the importance this opportunity has for Canadian rugby league.

He said: “We are extremely excited about working with a great forward thinking club like Hull FC. There are a lot of next level athletes in Canada, and rugby league is a natural extension of our sporting culture. You can expect to see some very talented players emerging from this partnership.”

The first young player to join the Black and Whites for a month will arrive in July.