The son of a former Whitehaven favourite has signed for the Recreation Ground club.

Andrew Bulman only joined Hull Academy in September but the 19-year-old winger didn't settle on Humberside and has been de-registered by the Super League club.

His father, John Bulman, was a fans’ favourite during his time at the club and is credited with one of the finest tries scored at the Recreation Ground.

Bulman junior was a star rugby union player at Kirkham Grammar School, near Blackpool, where his performances alerted top clubs in Scotland, but it was rugby league and Hull FC who won the day.

Andrew said: "I had relocated to Hull after signing first-team terms with Hull FC but I struggled to settle in the area and wanted to explore alternative opportunities closer to home.

"I had the full support of Hull FC in coming to my decision and want to thank them for that support and wish Hull FC all the best for the coming season.

"I'm really excited to have signed for my hometown with the added bonus of having the ability to explore employment opportunities outside of rugby league alongside my rugby career.

“I can’t wait to work with the coaches and team down at the Recreation Ground, to follow in my dad’s footsteps and put in the hard work to secure a regular first-team place and, hopefully, help the club push for promotion next year.”

Whitehaven coach Gary Charlton said: "I'm very excited about this young lad signing.

“He has been in good academies, especially most recently Hull FC, and, of course, he is the son of John Bulman, an ex-Whitehaven player and fans’ favourite.

"It shows again we are trying our best at the club to promote homegrown talent and Andrew has that in abundance.

“He has got pace to burn and has great body strength, everything one wants in a winger.

"He will fit into the squad seamlessly and is as fit a lad as I have seen in a long time.

"We still have a couple of signings to announce once they are finalised but the squad is looking quite strong and, for me, the season can't come soon enough."

Chairman Tommy Todd added: "It’s a touch of deja vu for me because I was at the club when Andrew’s dad, John, was here in the eighties.

"This young man is a great signing for the club and will fit in so well with all the other locals that have joined the club in recent weeks.

"It all reinforces the club's policy of trying to build a local team to blend with existing players.

"He has the physique and fitness to make a great winger.

"Hopefully, we can play expansive rugby and get him plenty of ball and scoring opportunities.

"I'm told he is fast so I hope he's as fast as his dad was.

"Now, there's a race to ponder for us older fans.

"When I'm asked who is the fastest player you have seen at the club, I don't have to think. I just say John Bulman.

"He was a pleasure to see when in full flight and no-one can forget the magnificent try he scored against Leeds at the Recreation Ground years ago, surely one of the best ever.

"I was fortunate to be county secretary in 1980/81 and 81/82 seasons when John got into a fantastic county side and we won the County Championship twice.

"I truly hope Andrew can bring as much excitement and pleasure to the fans as his dad did."

Bulman senior added: "It’s great to see the club investing in the local talent and moving the club forward in a positive way this year.

"I'm really looking forward to watching Andrew play and develop on his home turf."