Hull FC Form Strategic Partnership with York City Knights

Super League side Hull FC have agree a srtategic partnership with a lower league club York City Knights. 

As part of the partnership, up to five Hull players will be able to turn out for the Knights each week, with their selection set to be overseen by head coaches Peter Gentle and Gary Thornton.

Champions Leeds Rhinos partnered with Hunslet Hawks in August while St Helens recently announced they would be working with Rochdale and Whitehaven.

Players will also be exchanged on a loan dual-registration basis from 2013 while the top-flight club will also share their player development and marketing knowledge.

“We are delighted to secure this partnership with the Knights and we look forward to working with coach Gary Thornton, his staff and their players next year and beyond,” the club’s director of rugby Shaun McRae told their official website.

“Linking up with York was a natural step given the strong relations between the two clubs and I’m sure both parties will soon see the benefits this exciting partnership will provide.

“With the proposed changes to the academy structure next year, this will provide a great opportunity for some of our younger players to develop in a more competitive environment with a club that boasts one of the strongest traditions in the game.” 

Promising half-back Danny Nicklas has joined the Knights on a season-long loan for 2013, although he will remain full-time with the East Yorkshire club.

York City Knights general manager Ian Wilson said: “We are delighted to enter into this exciting partnership with Hull FC. We already have strong links with the Hull area in terms of our playing roster and we believe that the partnership will only enhance this.

“It is important to re-iterate that the partnership goes way beyond player movement and has been carefully structured to include support around many other areas including coach development, medical support, strength and conditioning, facilities, performance analysis, commercial and hospitality, media and marketing, and community work.

“In addition to the benefits identified above, the partnership is also financially beneficial to York City Knights, and Hull FC have committed to sponsoring a number of matches and other items.

“Utilising the resources that Hull FC have available to them will be extremely beneficial for the club and we look forward to working with them over the coming years.”

This follows similar partnership deals by champions Leeds Rhinos who partnered with Hunslet Hawks in August while St Helens recently announced they would be working with Rochdale and Whitehaven.