Sherwood Wolf Hunt have pulled off a coup with the signing of Sweden’s national captain, hooker Fabian Wikander.

Fabian (pictured), who grew up in Australia, said he chose to join Wolf Hunt because he wanted to be part of its exciting future.

“I grew up in tough areas in Queensland and rugby league is the way to toughen yourself up in those areas,” he said.

“I have played for the last 20 years and have always wanted to play in the UK.

“Wolf Hunt have it right. It’s all about the love of playing rugby league; developing young players, rather than buying in players as has happened elsewhere; and, most of all, bringing the best out of everyone involved.

“I know how difficult it is to start a club and what they’ve done here is nothing short of miraculous in such a short space of time.

“That’s down to hard graft and making it enjoyable for the people involved. This wonderful game is about people, not just sport. The people here are enjoying their rugby.”

Co-chairman Adam Bates said: “This is a really exciting prospect for both the club and Fabian. He’s put his life in Sweden on hold for us.

“He brings lots of experience and skill and is already settling into the Hunt for success. We have a great ethos of hard team work and fun here. They go hand in hand in Rugby League and as a rugby player and qualified welder, Fabian fits perfectly into that.”

Wikander grew up in Brisbane and play junior rugby there before moving to Cairns, where he captained Brothers.
He moved to Sweden in 2009 to trace his roots after his parents moved to Australia before he was born. He set up Sodertalje Storm in 2014 and was made national team captain in the same year.