Hull beat rivals to snap up Ellis

Gareth Ellis is returning to England early (GETTY IMAGES)

Hull have won the contest to sign the forward Gareth Ellis. The second-rower has agreed a three-year contract when he returns from his stint with Wests Tigers in Australia.

The 30-year-old hinted at one stage that he could join one of his former clubs, Wakefield or Leeds, or Castleford. "I was lucky to have a few clubs interested but I've been listening to Hull, to the ambitions they have got and the prospects they are putting in place for the future," Ellis said.

The Hull coach, Peter Gentle, said: "If we're looking to take this club to another level we need the addition of one or two class players to bring the best out of the quality squad we have in place. We have definitely achieved that with the signing of Gareth."

The Rugby League has agreed a new five year deal with the BBC for Challenge Cup coverage.