Key Points
- Leeds Rhinos have officially signed former Hull FC forward Hugo Salabio on a one-year deal ahead of the 2027 Super League season.
- The 26-year-old French international forward stands at six foot four inches and offers substantial physical presence in the middle of the field.
- Salabio becomes the fifth forward signed by Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur for 2027, joining Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker, and Wiremu Greig.
- During the past two seasons with Hull FC, Salabio made 18 appearances alongside loan spells with Championship outfits Doncaster and Halifax Panthers.
- Salabio has previous Super League experience with Toulouse Olympique, Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, and Castleford Tigers.
- The player expressed lifelong admiration for Leeds Rhinos, noting he attended matches at Headingley during his youth.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) October 20, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos have completed the signature of former Hull FC forward Hugo Salabio on a one-year contract ahead of the 2027 Super League campaign. As reported by Daniel Tomlinson of Hull Live, the 26-year-old Marseille-born prop forward becomes the fifth forward recruit to join head coach Brad Arthur’s squad restructuring effort for the upcoming season, following previous announcements for Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker, and Wiremu Greig.
Who Is Hugo Salabio and What Is His Rugby League Background?
Standing at six foot four inches, Hugo Salabio brings extensive experience across several top-flight clubs in both England and France. Born in Marseille, the French international forward began his professional journey in France before featuring in the Super League for Toulouse Olympique and Catalans Dragons.
Salabio subsequently expanded his career in English rugby league through spells with Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, and Castleford Tigers.
Over the last two seasons, Salabio was contracted to Hull FC, where he accumulated 18 appearances for the Black and Whites. During his tenure at Hull, he also undertook loan assignments with Championship sides Doncaster and Halifax Panthers to maintain match sharpness. Following the conclusion of the previous season, Salabio was released by Hull FC, enabling his free transfer movement to Headingley.
How Have Hugo Salabio and Brad Arthur Reacted to the Move?
Commenting on his transfer to West Yorkshire, Salabio shared his personal connection to the club and his objectives for the upcoming campaign. As reported by Daniel Tomlinson of Hull Live, Salabio stated that
“I’m really excited to be joining Leeds Rhinos. I was a Rhinos fan growing up and used to go to Headingley to watch the Rhinos when I was younger, so to have the opportunity to represent this club is something special for me.”
Salabio further remarked on the history of the club and his intentions upon arrival, stating that
“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.”
Outlining the tactical rationale behind the acquisition, Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur addressed the attributes the prop brings to the forward pack. As reported by Daniel Tomlinson of Hull Live, Arthur stated that
“Hugo is a strong, physical forward who will give us another option in the middle of the field.”
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Background of the Development
The arrival of Hugo Salabio forms part of a concerted recruitment drive by Leeds Rhinos under head coach Brad Arthur to rebuild and reshape the club’s forward unit ahead of the 2027 Super League season. The addition of Salabio marks the fifth forward signing secured by the club for the new campaign, following earlier deals for Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker, and Wiremu Greig.
Leeds Rhinos have actively sought to augment their squad depth and physical output in the middle unit following recent roster alterations. Salabio’s departure from Hull FC came at the expiration of his contract at the end of last season, during which he gained competitive minutes across both Super League and loan stints in the Championship with Doncaster and Halifax Panthers.
His career history includes appearances for multiple Super League entities—Toulouse Olympique, Catalans Dragons, Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers, and Hull FC—alongside international representation for France.
Prediction: How Will This Development Affect Leeds Rhinos and Their Supporters?
The acquisition of Hugo Salabio is expected to directly impact Leeds Rhinos’ forward depth and tactical rotation during the 2027 season. For head coach Brad Arthur, the addition provides immediate physical size and middle-unit rotation options to absorb the collision workload required throughout a demanding Super League campaign.
Competing alongside fellow new recruits Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker, and Wiremu Greig, Salabio’s arrival increases internal competition for starting prop positions and bench spots.
For the Leeds Rhinos supporters, Salabio’s signing represents a reinforced forward line designed to bring durability and size to Headingley. Given Salabio’s stated personal connection as a childhood spectator at Headingley, his integration into the club culture aligns with supporter preferences for committed, hard-working personnel. Furthermore, for the player’s national side, regular top-flight playing time under Arthur’s guidance at Leeds could enhance Salabio’s position within the France international squad setup ahead of future international fixtures.
