Super League side Hull have signed England international Gareth Ellis on a three-year deal from Wests Tigers.

The 30-year-old ex-Leeds second row was a target for several Super League clubs after announcing he intended to return to England earlier than expected from Sydney.

Ellis still had a year to run on his Tigers deal but, despite impressing in Australia, has decided to return home in time for the next Super League season.

The three-times Wests Player of the Year will be joining up with new Hull boss Peter Gentle, who was the Sydney club’s assistant coach until the end of last season.

“I was lucky to have a few clubs interested but I’ve been listening to Hull and to the ambition they have got and the prospects they’re trying to put in place for the future, and the bottom line for me was that it was a great time to be involved with Hull FC,” Ellis told his new club’s website.

Gentle added: “If we’re looking to take this club to another level, we need the addition of one or two class players to bring out the best of the talented squad we currently have in place and we have definitely achieved that with the signing of Gareth.”

Hull are currently sixth in the 14-team Super League.