Bulls sign Sao for 2027

Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of powerful Samoan international forward Ligi Sao on a one-year deal for the 2027 season. 

Sao made his senior debut in 2013 at Manly Sea Eagles, where he spent three years before joining New Zealand Warriors. 

The towering 6ft 1 enforcer then made the move to Super League, joining Hull FC where he has played for the last seven seasons, making over 110 appearances as an Airlie Bird. 

Ligi made five appearances for ‘Toa Samoa’ in the most recent Rugby League World Cup, featuring in the semi-final win over England and the final defeat against Australia. 

He joins Sam Eseh Jr, Cam Scott, John Bateman and James Bentley as new recruits for Kurt Haggerty in 2027.

Ligi Sao said:

“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. 

“They 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.

“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.

“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.

Bradford boss, Kurt Haggerty, also 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.”