Setaimata Sa returns to rugby league with Hull

Hull have signed former Catalan back-rower or centre Setaimata Sa from rugby union club London Irish.

Sa, 26, is a dual-code international and has signed a deal until the end of 2015.

He said: “I am pleased it has finally been announced and really looking forward to getting back playing rugby league, the game where my career started, and can’t wait to put on the Hull FC shirt.

“The way Motu Tony [Football Manager] spoke to me about where the club wanted to be in the next few years and also Lee Radford‘s [Head Coach] passion for the game, I found it a very interesting prospect. I know from the past how passionate the fans are here and how big this club is.”

Sa started his career with Sydney Roosters and has represented both Samoa and New Zealand at international level, winning the World Cup in 2008, and was selected for the Exiles during his time with Catalan.

Hull coach Lee Radford said: “Setaimata is a great signing for us. He is exactly the calibre of player we should be bringing into this club and a significant move in terms of our recruitment process.

“He is a New Zealand international, a World Cup winner, a Challenge Cup Finalist with Catalans and has appeared in the Exiles squads, that says it all.

“He is a player that can come straight into our side and make a significant improvement to our team. He has a fantastic character and temperament and whilst he is a good bloke off the field, he is a fierce competitor on it which is what we want.”

Sa scored 24 tries in 69 matches for Catalan before switching codes in 2012, and he represented the Samoa national rugby union team against Canada in November that year.

He began training with his new team-mates earlier this week, and could come in contention for Friday’s Super League clash against Leeds.