Hull FC are hard at work putting together their 2027 squad.
New Hull FC signing Alrix Da Costa.
Andy Last has outlined exactly what Hull FC will be getting from new signing Alrix Da Costa next year. The French hooker has signed a two-year deal at the Black and Whites and will reunite with both Last and Steve McNamara for pre-season training, two figures he knows well from his time at Catalans Dragons.
A club junior at the Perpignan club, Da Costa debuted for the Dragons back in 2016 and has over 160 appearances to his name for the club. But a change of scenery now beckons for the 28-year-old, who is being backed to make a genuine shot of a new challenge at Hull.
He is the third confirmed new signing after Bailey Hodsgon and Daly Cherry-Evans, and will work in tandem with Denive Balmforth at dummy half, who will return to the club ahead of next season after his loan spell at York Knights.
“He’s a great personality, Alrix,” Last said. “He’s very combative and very strong defensively. He gives you great service with a fantastic pass, and he’s a character within the team.
“He’s someone who competes hard and he fits the profile that we want at Hull FC. He’s strong. He’s really improved his offensive game over the last few years, I feel. He takes short sides well, and he’s got a good running game when the rucks are quick.
“He’s become far more creative in and around the try line. He used the big bodies which he played with at Catalans, and he’ll have some big bodies which he’ll be able to play with at Hull.
“It’s a good signing. I’m looking forward to working with Alrix again. He’s got a great personality. He’s a joker and he’s got a dry sense of humour. He’ll fit right in with us.”
Last believes change will be good for Da Costa, who can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Arthur Romano, Jordan Dezaria, and Arthur Mourgue, who have come to Hull clubs from France and hit the ground running.
“Sometimes change can bring a little bit more out of you,” Last continued. “Sometimes you can get caught in a bit of routine and familiarity, and sitting in your comfort zone isn’t always best for you.
“I’m sure Alrix will have spoken to Arthur Romano, Jordan Dezaria, and Arthur Mourgue. Guys who have come and plied their trade at Hull FC and Hull KR, and it’s really reinvigorated their careers.
“I’m sure Alrix will be the same with a change of environment and change of scenery and having to earn the respect of a new group of players, coaching staff, and fans. I think that will excite Alrix. He’ll be highly motivated. He’s a good trainer and a good professional, and he’ll be a good fit for us.
“I think Steve will be a big help for him. Steve knows Alrix very well. He’s the guy who brought him through and gave him lots of first-team opportunities at Catalans.
“Alrix has also benefitted from working with one of the greats of the Super League era in Micky McIlorum. He was a very strong and influential nine. And he’ll learn a great deal from a leadership point of view from some senior players that he played with at Catalans. He’s a really good fit for us and I’m expecting big things from Alrix next year.
“It’s exciting. There’s some new members of staff to be announced, a new coach coming in, and I’m sure there will be some more new signings as well.”