He will make the move initially on loan in 2026.
Leon Ruan says he is ready to put his best foot forward after completing a season-long loan move to Bradford Bulls ahead of their Super League return, before making the move permanent in 2027.
The 22-year-old joined Willie Peters’ squad ahead of the 2025 season from Leeds Rhinos, having previously impressed at Doncaster to earn his Super League opportunity. He did not make a first-team appearance for Hull KR in 2025 but featured five times on loan for Salford Red Devils, as well as making one Championship appearance for Featherstone Rovers.
As first revealed by All Out Rugby League, Ruan reunites with former Salford team-mates Jayden Nikorima, Esan Marsters and Loghan Lewis at Odsal, alongside newly appointed head coach and former Red Devils assistant Kurt Haggerty.
He also links up with former Hull KR forward Eribe Doro, while having previously represented the Bulls during the 2023 season.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for me to show what I can do by bringing my energy and effort levels to push for a spot in the team,” Ruan said.
“I just want to compete hard – that is the main thing – and try to win everything I can, I want to put my best foot forward for the fans, the club and for myself.
“I know Eribe from last season, he competes hard and plays hard and knowing some of the guys from Salford too like Rowan Milnes, Esan Marsters and Jayden Nikorima, that will make my transition a bit easier too.
“There is a lot of quality in the team, so I am excited to get going and hopefully add to that and push for my spot in the team.
“Being at Hull KR, especially for the last year I have learned a lot in terms of competing and fitness and although I didn’t play too much, I learned a lot about myself behind the scenes and how I want to act and impose myself.
“I am a completely different player to the last time I was at the Bulls and getting experience at other clubs has helped me move forward.”
The forward has also represented Hull FC in his young career to date, and becomes Bradford’s 16th new signing for 2026.
Head coach Haggerty commented: “I like the style of rugby Leon plays. He’s a big body who’s got good leg speed, he can break tackles and he also works really hard defensively. He fits the bill for what we’re looking for in a Bradford Bulls player and I am really excited to have him on board.
“He’s been at some very big clubs in Leeds and Hull KR so he knows what a winning environment looks like. To bring him in here and hopefully get him more game time than he’s had previously will only help him and help us as a team.
“Having spoken to him he knows the process he has to go through to get into our 17, but I see him as a back-rower who can play in the middle so he adds versatility. He’s chomping at the bit to get going with the Bradford Bulls.”