Who Is John Sagaga And Why Is The Australian Prop Joining York RLFC In 2026?

There's some big news coming out of the York camp, and it's got fans buzzing about the future. York RLFC have made a massive signing for the 2026 season, and it’s all thanks to the brilliant support from the fan-funded Squad Builder.

The club has secured a promising young forward, John Sagaga, all the way from Australia. This isn't just any signing; it's a statement about where the club is heading. It brings a fresh, powerful talent into the Knights' setup, and fans are eager to see what he can do.

So, Who Is The New Lad?

The name on everyone's lips is John Sagaga. He's a 21-year-old Australian prop, and if you know your rugby league, you’ll know that a good prop is the engine of the team. They’re the big lads in the middle doing the graft, tackling everything that moves and charging the ball forward to get the team on the front foot.

And John has pedigree. He’s a former Australian Schoolboys representative, which, in Australian rugby league,. marks you as one of the top young players in the entire country. It’s a huge badge of potential, and the kind of background every club dreams of in a forward.

Coming From A Winning Culture

Another major plus for Sagaga is the club he’s coming from: the Penrith Panthers. In rugby league terms, they’re giants. They’re known for having one of the best development systems in Australia, producing elite talent year after year.

Between 2023 and 2025, John made 11 appearances for Penrith’s reserve side in the NSW Cup, a tough, high-standard competition just a step below the NRL. Being part of a system like Penrith’s means he’s been taught high standards, discipline, and what winning looks like. That experience is priceless for a young forward making the jump to England.

What The Gaffer Thinks

York RLFC head coach Mark Applegarth couldn’t hide his excitement about the signing. He knows exactly what a player from the Panthers system can offer.

He said:

“I’m really excited to work with John. He comes from a really good playing group and culture at Penrith Panthers. We’re hoping he’ll transfer some of the talent he’s shown there into the English Super League. I can’t wait for him to get started.”

The coach clearly believes that Sagaga’s development, attitude, and work ethic will translate well to the English game — and that’s exactly what York needs as it continues to build momentum.

How The Fans Made It Happen

One of the best parts of this signing is how it came together. It wasn’t just the club pulling strings — it was made possible by the supporters through the Squad Builder scheme. Fans chip in voluntarily to raise funds specifically to strengthen the playing squad.

So when Sagaga pulls on that York RLFC shirt in 2026, the supporters can genuinely say they helped bring him in. It’s a brilliant example of community spirit and fan-led ambition driving the club forward.

An Exciting Year Ahead For 2026

Sagaga himself is clearly buzzing about joining York and starting a brand-new chapter of his career.

He said:

“I’m really excited to be a part of this great club and where it’s heading. 2026 is going to be a very exciting year and I’m looking forward to getting into training and ripping in with the boys.”

Classic Aussie attitude, ready to get stuck in, work hard, and make an impact.

With a powerful new prop joining the ranks, a motivated squad, and a fanbase who are literally helping build the future, 2026 already looks like a huge year for the Knights. The countdown has officially begun!