Rhinos bolster forward pack with Salabio signing

Leeds Rhinos has continued to bolster its pack with the signing of French international Hugo Salabio on a one-year deal until the end of the 2027 season.

The 26-year-old becomes the fifth forward to commit to the Rhinos, joining Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker and Wiremu Greig as part of Brad Arthur’s new-look forward unit from next season.

Born in Marseille, Salabio broke into the senior ranks of French rugby league initially with Toulouse Olympique having started playing the game at Saint Martin de Crau – making two appearances during the club’s promotion season in 2021– before joining Catalans Dragons for a sole season in 2022. Leaving for UK shores, he earned an opportunity with Wakefield Trinity in 2023 before joining Huddersfield Giants a year later, playing 12 times and earning his first cap for France off the bench in a 74-8 win over Ukraine.

The 6ft 4in forward has spent the last two seasons with Hull FC, playing a combined 18 games alongside development opportunities with Championship sides Doncaster and Halifax Panthers. Opening the season with nine games under Panthers head coach Kyle Eastmond between March and May, he returned to Hull to become a regular for the Black and Whites during the middle of the season, tallying 12 games.

Speaking about his move to AMT Headingley, 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.”

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur said: “Hugo is a strong, physical forward who will give us another option in the middle of the field.

“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.”

Rhinos 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.”