Ligi Sao will return to the Hull FC side next year.
09:25, 11 Sep 2025Updated 09:25, 11 Sep 2025
Hull FC prop Ligi Sao. (Image: Hull FC)
John Cartwright has confirmed that Hull FC prop Ligi Sao will be fully fit and ready to go for the start of pre-season training this autumn.
The front-rower suffered a season-ending knee injury back in February and has been in rehab ever since. However, Sao has made great strides with his recovery and, according to Hull’s head coach, is now arguably in the ‘best shape’ of his career.
The 32-year-old, as first reported by Hull Live, has signed a new one-year deal to his contract, extending his stay into the 2026 season. He was deregistered back in February following his injury, allowing Hull to sign Liam Knight, but will adorn the black and white again in the new year, fully fit and raring to go.
Speaking on Sao’s progress, Cartwright said: “He’s impressed everyone with the way he has gone about his buisness. He’s probably in, I would say, the best shape of his career physically.
“He’s had eight months or so now of rehab. He wouldn’t be far away from playing if we were able to play him. He’s reached that far in his rehab, but it’s not only what he’s done for himself; it’s what he’s done for everyone else in the rehab group.
“He’s like an extra coach in that regard. He’s a father figure and a great leader, and with the injury to Herman (Ese’ese) and not knowing the full length of time that could take, we know a minimum (six months) and we know a maximum (eight months); he’ll be a great assistance to him once he starts his recovery.”
Hull have also extended the contract of Aidan Sezer. The half-back and skipper has signed a one-year extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2027 season.
“He’s won us several games this year,” Cartwright added on his captain. “He makes the players around him better. He’s a proven and genuine number seven and they are hard to come by.”