The South Sydney Rabbitohs have secured the signature of rising talent Kristoffer Sagato, a 16-year-old prop forward from Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, as part of the Club’s relationship with the Townsville Blackhawks.
Sagato has been making waves in Rugby League since transitioning from rugby union just two years ago, impressing with his physicality and rapid development in the sport.
Sagato grew up in a busy household with five brothers and one sister, where competition and hard work were everyday norms. He attended St Bernard’s College in Wellington, excelling in both rugby union and Rugby League before fully committing to League. His natural athleticism and drive quickly set him apart as one to watch.
Having moved to Australia in May 2024, Sagato’s signing is part of the Rabbitohs’ exclusive relationship with the Townsville Blackhawks, which aims to identify and nurture emerging talent. The partnership provides young players like Sagato with a clear pathway to develop their skills and pursue their NRL dreams.
Rabbitohs Pathways Recruitment Manager, Brent Hill, is pleased to have secured the services of Sagato as part of the Club’s north Queensland Elite Pathways Player Development (EPPD) program.
“Kristoffer is a great talent and we feel with the right guidance and development, that he can play at the higher levels of the game,” Mr Hill said.
Rabbitohs Pathways Recruitment Manager, Brent Hill“Our discussions with him and his family have shown us he has the right attitude and temperament to go a long way in the game, and we look forward to seeing him in the red and green.”
Sagato said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to represent my family. Dad was a bit shocked when he first found out about it, I am doing this for my family so it’s exciting to represent my family as well.
“I am from New Zealand and originally played rugby union, then I saw a video of Rugby League and asked dad if I could play League and tried it out and thought this game was more aggressive, and I like being aggressive in my game, so I thought I should switch to that sport.”
