Leeds Rhinos sign French prop Hugo Salabio

Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of French prop Hugo Salabio on a one-year deal. Salabio joins the club from Hull FC, marking him as the fifth forward recruited for the 2027 season under Sporting Director Ian Blease.

Salabio, 26, previously played for Toulouse Olympique and Catalans Dragons before moving to the UK, where he has represented Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants, and Castleford Tigers. He joins a group of new recruits including Edenn Rogers-Smith, Morgan Gannon, Dylan Walker, and Wiremu Greig, who are tasked with replacing departing players such as Mikolaj Oledzki, James McDonnell, and Matt Lodge.

Head coach Brad Arthur described Salabio as a “strong, physical forward” who provides additional options in the middle of the field. Salabio expressed excitement about joining the club, noting he grew up as a Rhinos fan.