Chris Hankinson departs Toulouse for Championship rivals

Drew Darbyshire 17 Oct 2022 9:46 AM

Chris Hankinson Toulouse SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Sean Long has made his first signing as Featherstone head coach in the shape of goal-kicking centre Chris Hankinson from Toulouse.

The 28-year-old suffered relegation from Super League with Toulouse last season. He scored five tries and kicked 64 goals in 25 appearances for the French club.

Hankinson will link up with Long at Featherstone in 2023 as they chase promotion to Super League.

Long said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Chris to the club. I’m confident that he has the attributes needed to strengthen our drive for Super League promotion in 2023.

“I am very grateful to Mark (Campbell, chairman) and the club for the backing they’re giving me in the transfer market. I’m excited to see the reaction from the fans to Chris’s arrival and perhaps a couple more in the coming days.”

More on Chris Hankinson

The Wigan-born centre came through the junior ranks at Super League club Salford. He then spent time in Leigh’s reserves, and played seven games for their first team in 2014.

Hankinson then enjoyed successful spells in the Championship with Barrow and Swinton, gaining a solid reputation as an impressive and reliable goal-kicker.

In 2018, Hankinson joined Super League giants Wigan. He made 23 appearances for his hometown club across three seasons.

He joined London Broncos for the 2021 campaign before linking up with Toulouse, where he impressed in Super League.

Toulouse failed to avoid relegation in their first season in Super League. They are replaced by Leigh, who enjoyed a dominant year in the Championship, winning promotion after beating Batley in the Championship Grand Final.

Toulouse will be aiming to go straight back up in 2023 but will face a stiff challenge from the likes of Featherstone, York, Batley, Barrow and Halifax.

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