ADAM Swift has admitted reaching the decision to leave his hometown club at the end of the season has been tough.

But the move over to Humberside is set to give the winger the opportunity to play regular first team rugby.

It was confirmed tonight that Swift will leave Saints at the end of the current season to take up a contract with Hull FC.

The winger, a former Blackbrook junior, has featured 126 times for Saints since making his debut in 2012.

He has crossed the whitewash 86 times and was part of the Grand Final winning team that defeated Wigan at Old Trafford in 2014.

But Swift’s opportunities have become limited due to the form of Tommy Makinson and Regan Grace.

In a statement, Swift said: “It was a really tough decision to make being a home grown lad and moving away, but it’s the right decision for me and I’m really looking forward to it and to the challenge ahead.”

Saints coach Justin Holbrook said he completely understands Swift’s decision to move on: “He is a Super League player and has unfortunately had limited opportunities in his position in recent times.

“Selfishly, I would have loved to have kept him, he is a great guy and it’s a shame that someone with such close affinity to the club will be moving on.

“I wish him all the best for the future.”

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus added: “It will be sad to see Adam leave his home town club where he has contributed so much to our success over the years in addition to being an incredibly popular member of our squad.

“That said, we fully understand and appreciate his wish to play regular first team Rugby with a top club, which Hull FC certainly is.

“We all wish him and his family more than well.”