HULL FC have signed French international hooker Alrix Da Costa for the 2027 season – with Amir Bourouh taking his place at Catalans Dragons.

Bourouh, 28, has agreed a two-year contract that will keep him at the MKM Stadium until the end of the 2028 campaign.

Da Costa is Hull’s third on-field recruit for the 2027 season, following fullback Bailey Hodgson and NRL superstar Daly Cherry-Evans on Thursday, and he will link up with his former coach Steve McNamara once again when the pair arrive in East Yorkshire.

Hull have also confirmed that Denive Balmforth, who has spent this season on loan at York Knights but has two years left to run on his contract with the Black and Whites, will return as part of their squad next season under McNamara.

So far Da Costa has played his entire career in his native country, with over 160 senior appearances to Catalans Dragons, making his debut in 2016.

He was part of the Catalans squad that won the League Leaders Shield in 2021 and made the Grand Final in 2021 and 2023.

He also has 15 international caps for France.

“I’m aware of the work happening at Hull and how big the club is, so I want to work hard for the team and the club under Steve,” he said.

“It’s time for something new after spending more than ten great years with Catalans. This is a challenge I am really excited about.

“I’m positive that we can achieve something great at Hull FC, so I’m looking forward to coming over to England to meet everybody and I can’t wait to start.”

Hull FC CEO Richie Myler added: “Alrix is a player that Steve McNamara knows all too well, having coached him at Catalans for a number of years.

“We know that we are getting a really hard-working individual in Alrix, and ultimately, he’s someone with over ten years of Super League experience, which is invaluable in the current market.”

“He’s the latest part in the puzzle as far as our club for 2027 looks, and we’re all looking forward to him coming over to Hull for the start of pre-season training in the next few months.”

Former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils hooker Bourouh, 25, goes in the opposite direction after two seasons with Hull.

He’s also signed a two-year contract, and will also link up with a former coach in John Cartwright, who left Hull FC in April, should he remain in charge at the Dragons next season.

“I think I played my best rugby under John Cartwright and I believe I still have a lot to offer,” said Bourouh.

“So I’m really looking forward to getting started with him and the rest of the team.

“The club has big ambitions and wants to build on its past success. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this adventure.

“It’s a big change for my family and me and we’re really excited to take on this opportunity that John has given me.”