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Hull FC and Hull KR have issued a joint statement to confirm Hull Live's story that the City of Hull Academy is being brought to an end.

The academy will cease to exist this season as both Super League clubs opt to go their separate ways once again, four years after the academy was created.

The clubs have confirmed that a mandatory reserve league and moving the academy age range from under-19s to under-18s has seen them conduct a review of the COHA, with the outcome being an ending of the process.

Statement from Hull FC and Hull KR:

In line with the RFL review into the structure of reserves and academy level Rugby League, the City of Hull Academy has conducted its own review of its strategy for the future.

The mandatory introduction of the reserves at every Super League club and the proposed movement to an Under 18 team feeding the reserves programme necessitates a significant rethink in the COHA strategy going forward.

A dual academy will no longer be able to operate effectively in the new structure.

Both Hull FC and Hull KR reserve teams will require supplementing with eligible players from their own academy.

Hull FC have operated their reserve squad with players ring fenced to the Black & Whites from the COHA this year.

However, moving forward with the changes proposed to the age structure, both clubs will now require their own specific pool of 18-year-old players.

The specifically tailored academies for Hull FC and Hull KR will operate from the 2020 season and all required details will be issued in due course.

The City of Hull Academy and our partnership with local schools and community clubs via the newly formed City of Hull & District Rugby League is recognised as a benchmark for the game by the RFL.

No fewer than 16 players have progressed to first-team rugby league via the City of Hull Academy this will continue to be the primary objective of both clubs moving forward, as well as promoting participation and coach development at grassroots level.

We also remain committed to the exciting recent developments in our game locally.

Both clubs will continue to fund a management role within the City of Hull & District Rugby League structure, as well as high level stakeholder representation at regional meetings.