Bradford Bulls have continued to add experience in their recruiting for 2027, with Kurt Haggerty’s side announcing Hull FC prop Ligi Sao as their latest signing.

Sao, who will turn 34 in October, adds even more experience to a side that has already recruited John Bateman and James Bentley for 2027. The Bulls have also added Wigan Warriors’ Sam Eseh and Wakefield Trinity centre Cam Scott, with Sao becoming the fifth signing that Bradford have announced for next year.

Since signing for Hull FC in 2020, Ligi Sao has made over 100 Super League appearances, including 12 this season. He’s also played 47 games in the NRL and represented Samoa on six occasions.

He’ll hope to add to his impressive career next year at Odsal, having signed a one-year deal with the Bulls, something that the club announced on Monday evening.

Speaking on his latest recruit, head coach Kurt Haggerty said: “I am really pleased to get Ligi’s signature over the line. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, he’s big, physical and talented and he is exactly what we are looking for heading into the 2027 season.

“He is a highly respected player within the game and he will fit in brilliantly within our group.”

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Ligi Sao’s first words after signing for Bradford Bulls

Sao also spoke within the press release as he commented on his excitement at playing a Kurt Haggerty style of rugby, a style that has earned plaudits from many players, fans and pundits.

The veteran admitted: “I am excited to be joining the Bulls, I am looking forward to a new environment and to be playing my rugby under Kurt [Haggerty] in a Bradford shirt.

“The style of rugby Kurt wants his teams to play really appealed to me. When I sat down with Kurt, Brian Noble and Jason Hirst they told me their plans and they want me to be a leader in the team. I have been around for a while and they want to see me use my experience so that will be an awesome challenge for me with a new group as I want to earn the respect of my team-mates.”

Sao added: “I have enjoyed my time at Hull, it is a great town with good people and I hear the same things about Bradford and their supporters and how much they love their club. I just want to enjoy the experience and keep playing some good footy.”

The 33-year-old also referenced the draw of playing in Las Vegas, with Bradford set to face Leigh in Sin City next year.

“Playing in Vegas will be a blessing, Rugby League has blessed me with big games in my career and it is another one for me to look forward to.

“I don’t want to look too far forward however, I just want to get a good pre-season under my belt with my new team-mates, work hard, earn their respect and build something special together.”

𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/ZOVA2lju3Z

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) August 31, 2026