Bradford left furious by ex-Knights prop’s sudden exit

FORMER York Knights loanee Franklin Pele has played his last match for Bradford Bulls, who have been left furious after learning that he has negotiated a contract elsewhere.

Bradford say that they are now considering their legal position regarding his sudden exit.

The prop featured twice for the Knights on loan from Hull FC last season, scoring his only try in their incredible comeback win at Swinton Lions.

Head coach Mark Applegarth admitted he “wouldn’t say no” to bringing the forward back to York after his departure from the Black and Whites last June, but the 24-year-old instead joined the Bulls, where he was contracted until the end of 2025.

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A calf injury was likely to rule Pele out of Bradford’s 1895 Cup semi-final against the Knights next weekend, but the Bulls have not held back, with their anger at his sudden departure evident in a statement released this lunchtime.

It read: “Franklin Pele, contracted to Bradford Bulls until November 30, 2025, has informed the club that he no longer wishes to represent it, after negotiating another contract elsewhere, without the knowledge of Bradford Bulls.

“It is our understanding that he is joining an unnamed 3rd tier French Rugby Union club.

Pele scored his only try for the Knights in last season’s incredible comeback win at Swinton. (Image: Craig Hawkhead Photography) “No Bradford Bulls player, nor individual, ever has been or ever will be bigger than the club itself.

“Any contracted player must fully be committed to representing the club, its badge and its supporters.

“Franklin Pele has, therefore, played his last match for our club.

“The player’s sudden departure allows talented players within our existing squad, who do want to play for us, an opportunity to further impress and secure a regular place in our matchday 17.

“It also allows the club to look elsewhere to see if there are any players of the required standard contractually available to add competition and further depth to our existing, exciting squad.”

“The club is considering its legal position and will be making no further comment at this stage, as we focus fully on a huge on-field week for the club, its players and its fans.”