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LIONS MAKE DOUBLE SIGNING AS ONE DEPARTS

06 June 2019

Swinton Lions have secured the signings of Richard Lepori until the end of the season and Samy Kibula on loan, whilst Daley Williams departs the club.

Swinton Lions are delighted to announce the signing of Italy international Richard Lepori and Wigan Warriors forward Samy Kibula.

Lepori has signed a deal that will see him at the club until the end of the 2019 Betfred Championship season.

The utility back has previously appeared for Oldham, Whitehaven and most recently the Rochdale Hornets during the 2018 season, with over 100 career appearances to his name.

The 27-year-old also represented Italy at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

He joins Stuart Littler’s side effective immediately, and adds strength and experience to the back-line and further competition for places in the talented squad.

On the signing, Littler added: “Richard is a proven Championship outside back who has also represented Italy in the last World Cup.

“After meeting Richard, he is a player who is coming here for all the right reasons and is a player who is coming to us with a bit of a point to prove.

“Richard will bring tonnes of energy and a high work rate which are qualities we demand in our outside backs.

“I am delighted we’ve been able to get the deal with Richard over the line after previously attempting to sign him in the pre-season.

“Welcome aboard, Richard.”

Lepori will wear the number 28 shirt for the rest of the season.

Samy Kibula joins from Wigan Warriors on a one-month loan, having spent time at Dewsbury Rams during the 2019 season.

“I am delighted that we’ve been able to get Samy onboard with us,” said Chairman Andy Mazey.

“Stuart did a lot of analysis on Dewsbury ahead of our recent home game and identified Samy as a huge threat and one of their best middles who was going very well.

“He’s a big athlete and is getting better week by week and he has great hands for a middle and can play a bit, so it’s a great coup for us to bring him to the club at this stage of the season.”

The club can also confirm that Daley Williams has left the club, effective immediately. We would like to thank Daley for his efforts in the Swinton shirt, and wish him the best of luck for the future.

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