KIERAN BUCHANAN: IT'S BEEN A HUGE SEASON FOR ME
Today we play close attention to Hull FC's young and promising centre, Kieran Buchanan, 20, who has established himself as a prospect for the future having recently become a first team member for the Black And Whites.
Following his development at amateur club Skirlaugh Bulls and then the City Of Hull Academy, Kieran kicked on and fought for his place in the first team at Hull FC, and was given the nod by Lee Radford multiple times this season.
Buchanan’s initial test in the first grade was during the pre-season game between Hull FC and Hull KR in 2018 but it was this season where the spirited youngster has had a run of games in The Super League.
I was keen to catch up with Kieran to reflect back on his season at Hull FC, here’s what Buchanan has to say to GRM SPORT:
During your amateur rugby days at Skirlaugh Bulls, did you ever imagine a few years later you would be in this position representing Hull FC?
“ Well, I joined Skirlaugh at 13 so I was a little bit new to the game compared to some of the boys who had already been playing since 6/7 years old, but I was only joining to have fun because I played football most of my life before that.
“ However, as soon as I started playing I really enjoyed every aspect to the game, but also meeting new people and new friends, I enjoyed it from the very beginning and I wanted to really knuckle down. I used to watch Hull FC growing up as a kid, I used to go to all the games with my dad, so to actually play with the first team myself now is a very weird feeling… But a good one! I never expected to play for Hull FC!
Prior to signing on for Hull FC, how did the City Of Hull Academy shape you up and progress your career from amateur rugby?
My first year was very influential because that’s when I started to make a mark really, playing alongside Liam Harris and Will Oakes really shaped up things for my progression. it was more of a physicality progression and getting used to getting hit harder and having to tackle harder, but players who I played with helped that a lot. Some of the coaches like Danny Wilson really helped that. Danny aided my progression since I was at scholarship, so the academy was very important in terms of my progress.
When you signed were you given an idea of Hull FC’s expectations of you? And what are your own personal goals?
“ Well the vision that was expressed early by the club included showing myself in the first pre-season I was involved in two years ago. I bought in and showed how hard I worked, but when I officially signed they just wanted me to grow in physicality and get used to playing men.I gained valuable experience playing for the likes of Doncaster and Hull FC reserves.
My personal goals was to just try my hardest and do the extras that would push me further, the expectations of playing first team this year was very high because I had a lot of things to work on, so to have actually played is very pleasing. However I have to keep on pushing on to earn a place in the squad for next year.
You was given a debut in 2018 in the pre-season clash with Hull KR, how did you find the experience playing in front of the Old Faithful crowd?
“ Well to make my debut alone was massive even if it was still a friendly. Obviously because it was a derby it meant so much more because of the rivalry and the passion we have against each other it was a massive deal to have played in that game. For me it was one of the biggest moments in my life, as I would of never of thought I would experience that as a player so for me it was a huge thing and I’m very grateful to have played in a derby of that sort.
2019 has been your break through year with a fair few appearances for the club, how do you reflect back at your achievements this year?
“ It has been a huge season for me this season. I’m just taking it as it comes, I’m thankful of having had the opportunity to pull the jersey on and play with the boys this season. But for the future and to progress further for me, is to grow in stature and work on the 1% that will make me in to the professional I want to aspire to be. Next season will be a massive season for me starting from pre-season.
Finally, you scored your first Super League try away at Catalan Dragons, how special did that feel and can you describe the emotions of that day?
“ Well funny enough my dad was going away to France to watch hull that week anyways but obviously I didn’t know I was going to play. However I found out 2 days before I would be, so the feeling of playing away in Catalan alone was a huge moment, but obviously the feeling of having your first try of your career is massive and to have my dad there to see it was very emotional. I remember walking over and seeing him after and we both just hugged each other and it was a massive deal for me and my family that moment, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.