Swinton Lions have confirmed the departure of five first team players as they move closer towards the beginning of the 2027 season.
Following on from a disappointing trip to Championship table-toppers London Broncos earlier this month which saw the hosts maraud to a 66-18 on the regular season’s finale, the Lions’ attention turns towards next season’s preparations.
Swinton will begin their venture into the 2027 Championship season in January, and have already made strides into forming a new-look squad for the beckoning season.
Pat Ah Van, Ellis Anderson, Charlie McCurrie, Samy Kibula and Ethan Fitzgerald make up the five set to leave the Lions following the conclusion of the 2026 campaign .
Head coach Anthony Murray was unrelenting in his gratitude for his leaving forces, saying: ““As coaches, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Pat, Ellis, Ethan, Samy and Charlie for their support, commitment and efforts throughout the 2026 season.
“Each of them has contributed to the group in their own way. We are extremely grateful for the time and effort they have put into representing Swinton, and we wish all five every success and happiness for the future. We hope they continue to enjoy their rugby wherever their paths take them.”
Murray has stood at the helm at Swinton since March 2026, following former boss Paul Wood after his resignation in the midst of a gruelling season. The successor is gearing up to take on his first full season as manager of the club after his initial arrival at Heywood Road as assistant manager.
Looking to improve on a 17th place finish, Murray has already taken steps towards improving for the new year – as he enters the second term of his contract viable until 2028.
He went on: “In particular, we would like to thank Pat Ah Van for his services to Swinton this season. Pat is currently playing rugby union, and we have left the door open should he decide he wants to return to rugby league in the future. Whatever he decides, we are grateful for everything he has given to the club and wish him all the very best.”
Pat Ah Van, 38, departs after a short stay with the Lions, moving to Swinton on May 1st this year after his second spell with North Wales Crusaders. The New Zealand born former Samoa international departs after three tries across 11 appearances in half a season as a lion and is reviewing his options ahead of a brand new season, his 21st as a professional.
Since signing for Swinton ahead of the 2025 season, Centre-wing Ellis Anderson has began his maturity into a seasoned professional after making the jump straight from St. Helens’ academy system and straight into the Lions first team. After two seasons in blue and white, Anderson departs in search of a new club.
24-year-old Charlie McCurrie was brought in under Paul Wood for the dawn of last season, and racked up 11 appearances at Heywood Road including 6 starts across the season. The former Salford second row looks for a new challenge for the 2027 season.
A real journeyman of the game and a dominant presence departs in the form of Samy Kibula. The Congolese prop managed 24 points across 25 outings in a Swinton shirt, including crossing for 6 tries in that time. Kibula completes his second spell with the Lions after a brief loan stint in 2019.
Ethan Fitzgerald culminates the list of departures for Swinton ahead of the 2027 season, with the 22-year-old winger leaving after 13 appearances for the Lions across two seasons in blue and white.
