Hull KR snap up Greg Richards

Hull KR have signed London Broncos prop Greg Richards on a one-year deal for 2022, with the option for a second.

The 26-year-old front-rower has made more 140 career appearances for St Helens, Leigh, Sheffield and London.

Richards helped St Helens win the Super League Grand Final in 2014, and will return to Super League next season.

Hull KR coach Tony Smith said: “I’m looking forward to working with Greg, I’ve coached against him on many occasions and he’s a very experienced young prop and he fits the brief for a lot of what we’re about.

“He’s 26-year-old, so he’s coming into his prime with a wealth of experience. He had great experience as a young prop in winning a Grand Final with St Helens and it’s a chance for him to get his Super League career back on track after a couple of years of working in London and playing for London.

“He’s a very skilful prop – he can pass the ball, he’s got a good work rate and his knowledge of the game is comprehensive so he will add more depth to our squad and competition for places amongst our prop forwards for next year.”

Meanwhile, London Broncos will revert to being a part-time club from 2022.

The Broncos retained a full-time squad despite their relegation from Super League in 2019 but have decided to go part-time following a second season in the Championship.

The club say their decision has been influenced by an anticipated cut in central funding for next season following a reduction in income from the new television deal with Sky.

London’s announcement comes as they prepare to move into a ground-sharing agreement with AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

Richards will depart London at the end of the season along with Wales international Matty Fozard, who is set to join hometown club Widnes following three years in the capital.