Leeds Rhinos
Encyclopedia
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds
, West Yorkshire
. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League
competition. The club's home is the 20,500 capacity Headingley Stadium
, which is in the suburb
of Headingley
, northwest Leeds. One of the oldest clubs in the world, Leeds Rhinos is owned by the same company that owns the Leeds Carnegie rugby union
team. The club is the third most successful rugby league club in England behind only Wigan
and St Helens, as judged by the number of combined Championships and Challenge Cup
s won.
The club was founded under the Rugby Football Union
in 1870. In 1895 Leeds was one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that broke away from the establishment and formed what is now the Rugby Football League
, making it one of the world's first rugby league teams. Leeds won its first Challenge Cup
final in 1910, and has gone on to win it eleven more times. The club did not win its first championship until 1961. Since then it has won seven in total, as well as two World Club Challenge
titles. Leeds was one of the original twelve Super League
clubs when rugby league became a summer sport in 1996. TheRhinos nickname and logo was introduced in 1997. On 10 October 2009, Leeds won the Super League Grand Final
against St Helens at Old Trafford
, 18–10 meaning that Leeds became the first club to be Super League champions three seasons running.
In 1864, H. I. Jenkinson placed an advert in the Leeds Mercury inviting players to meet up at Woodhouse Moor
a few days a week from 7am to 8am. That advert attracted over 500 members. From this interest several clubs were formed including Leeds St John's.
Leeds St John's was formed in 1870 and was originally known as the "Old Blue and Ambers". The club played at the Militia Barracks from 1870 to 1888 before moving to Cardigan Fields, near Headingley
, Leeds . Membership was originally confined to the church classes but was soon expanded. By 1887 St John's had reached its first cup final, the Yorkshire Cup losing to Wakefield Trinity
.
In 1888 the Cardigan Estate was sold at auction and Lot 17a was purchased by a group of Leeds citizens, who intended to form the city's leading sports club. Lot 17a became what is now Headingley Stadium.
Leeds St John's played its final season under that name in 1889–90, before becoming the football section of Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co Ltd the following season. With Headingley still being completed, Leeds' first game was staged at Cardigan Fields, the home side defeating Otley
. The first game at Headingley was played on 20 September 1890, when Manningham were beaten by one try and one dropped goal to nil.
In 1892,27,654 spectators — a then record in British rugby — attended the third round showdown between Leeds and Halifax
at Headingley.
Leeds was a founder member of the Northern Union
when it broke away from the Rugby Football Union
in 1895. Leeds' début in the Northern Union was a 6–3 success at Leigh
on 7 September 1895, the inaugural day of the new competition.
In 1901, the Leeds Parish Church
team disbanded and put all of its players at Leeds' disposal. That same year saw the formation of the Northern Rugby League, with a number of leading clubs leaving the Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League and joining the new competition. Leeds was not admitted until the following year when it was placed in the newly formed second division and quickly gained promotion as runners-up to Keighley
.
Leeds City FC
joined soccer's Second Division in 1905–06, and finished sixth out of 20 clubs in the club's first season. Rugby's monopoly with the locals seemed to have been broken, with Leeds Rugby League's average gate numbers falling by nearly 50% in that first league season.
In 1910, Leeds came of age with the team finishing in sixth place in the league, but that was just a warm up for the Challenge Cup campaign. Leeds beat Hull Kingston Rovers
, Rochdale Hornets
, Keighley and then scraped through 11-10 against Warrington in the semi-final before meeting Hull
in the final. Rain on the morning of the game meant conditions were against flowing rugby. The scores were level at 7-7 with fifteen minutes left, however neither team could break the deadlock and the final went to a replay two days later, again at Fartown, Huddersfield
. Leeds made no mistake this time and ran out convincing 26-12 winners having led 16-0 at half time.
The club lost many players to the First World War and the usual league programme was interrupted during 1914-1918. During this period, Leeds played a number of "guest players" in the Emergency League competition. The Headingley club reached the Championship final for the first time in 1915, but lost 35–2 toHuddersfield
, then a record score. The Emergency League was then suspended.
Leeds reverted to rugby union during World War I to play a one-off challenge game against the Royal Navy
Depot from Plymouth
in 1917. This was a precursor to the following Christmas
when two Challenge games were organised between the two sides but this time with one of each code. The Navy won the union game 9-3 on Christmas Eve
but proved equally adapt at league recording a 24-3 win on 28 December.
became the game’s first £1,000 transfer when he moved from Hunslet
to Leeds .
On Saturday 27 October 1934, Leeds and Wakefield Trinity
met in the final of the Yorkshire Cup at Crown Flatt
, Dewsbury
. The match was played in front of a crowd of 22,598 and ended in a 5–5 draw. Four days later the two clubs drew again, with Leeds eventually lifting the trophy after a second replay, the only occasion it took three attempts to settle a Yorkshire Cup Final. A total of 52,402 spectators watched the three games.
In 1937, Leeds paid the stand-off Vic Hey
a then-record £1,400 signing-on fee to lure him from Australia
. Vic was regarded as a major loss to the Australian game and this contributed to the RFL imposing a ban on international transfers, which lasted until 1940.
In 1938, Leeds played Swinton
in the Rugby Football League Championship semi-final. Leeds won the match 5 points to 2 to set up a history making all-Leeds clash with neighbours Hunslet in the final. The match was played at the Elland Road
football ground, to accommodate a huge demand from the city’s rugby league supporters. Over 54,000 people watched the game, a then record for a match in England, Hunslet triumphed 8–2 to take the title.
Leeds won the Challenge Cup in 1941 and 1942.
It was not until the late 1950s, when in 1957 the club secured its first post-war Challenge Cup victory, that the young side being built began to show signs of what was to come. Joe Warham
came to Leeds as coach in 1958 and a Yorkshire Cup triumph followed, but the side still lacked enough quality to compete at the top of the Lancashire section of the competition in which it was then playing.
However "the Loiners" (their historical nickname) were to establish themselves as a dominant force by the end of the coming decade. In 1960 Dai Prosser was appointed to assist Joe Warham with the coaching duties and the club signed a new back three of Jack Fairbank, Bryan Shaw and Dennis Goodwin to strengthen the forward pack. The recruitment paid off: the club was crowned Champions for the first time in 1961 with Lewis Jones leading them to a 25–10 victory over Warrington
in the Championship Final at Odsal Stadium
, Bradford
.
In the late 1960s, under the guidance of Roy Francis, Leeds repeatedly finished top of the league. The club contested perhaps the most memorable of all Wembley occasions, the "watersplash final" of 1968, which was played despite a downpour that saturated the pitch. It produced the most dramatic of finishes, when Lance Todd trophy
winner Don Fox
had the easiest of conversions to win it for Wakefield Trinity
, but missed it to leave Leeds 11–10 winners.
Francis then quit the club to take up a coaching position in Australia, and Joe Warham again took charge as coach, on an interim basis, midway through the 1969 campaign. The Championship trophy duly returned to Headingley for the second time after a tough final against Castleford at Odsal Stadium.
In 1970 Leeds returned to the Championship final, and Odsal, but lost to St Helens despite having taken an early lead. Tables were turned in December when the same teams met in the final of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
, Leeds emerging victorious this time.
Coached by Derek "Rocky" Turner
, Leeds returned to Wembley in 1971 and 1972 but lost out both times — in 1971 losing 24–7 to rank outsiders Leigh
and suffering the indignity of captain Syd Hynes
being the first man to 'take an early bath' at Wembley. A third championship, in 1972, provided consolation.
Eric Ashton
(former Wigan and Great Britain centre) coached Leeds for the 1973–74 season before leaving to coach St Helens.
Leeds continued to collect silverware: the Regal Trophy in 1973 and the Premiership (the then-current form of the championship playoff) in 1975. The team held the Yorkshire Cup seven times between 1969 and 1980.
In the 1976–77 season, the Salford
versus Leeds match was abandoned after 38 minutes when Chris Sanderson
of Leeds suffered a fatal injury. Leeds led 5–2, but the game was declared null and void and not replayed. The club recovered to win the Challenge Cup at the end of that season. This success was repeated in 1978, in a classic final against St Helens at Wembley Stadium with Leeds completing what was then a record comeback. Former captain Syd Hynes was coach on both occasions.
This was followed up with another Premiership win, in 1979.
However these victories were the 'last hurrah' of the great '60s and '70s sides and a barren spell followed in the '80s. Leeds' only triumphs were the 1984 John Player Trophy
(beating Widnes
) and the 1988 Yorkshire Cup
(beating Castleford
). Leeds were beaten finalists in the John Player Trophy
four times in the 1980s and '90s.
Leeds eventually returned to Wembley for a Challenge Cup
final appearance in 1994 against Wigan
. The game was memorable for a length of the field try by Martin Offiah
, considered by many to be one the greatest tries
ever scored, which clinched the game for Wigan. Leeds returned to Wembley a year later, again to face Wigan again, but were beaten more easily.
In 1996 Gary Hetherington sold his controlling interest in Sheffield Eagles
and joined Paul Caddick to take over the ailing Leeds C F & A Co Ltd, owners and operators of Headingley Stadium and Leeds Rugby League Club.
1996 marked the beginning of summer rugby as the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super League
season and changed from a winter to a summer season.
In 1997, the club renamed itself Leeds Rhinos. Dean Bell
took over as head coach following his retirement as a player at Auckland Warriors. Leeds experienced great financial difficulty and even flirted with relegation. Following the purchase of the club by Caddick and Hetherington the turnaround was quick, however, and in 1998 Leeds once again reached a major final, facing Wigan in the inaugural Grand Final, at Old Trafford
, Manchester. Leeds lost 10–4 in a tense and very evenly matched game.
Iestyn Harris
joined Leeds for a record breaking £350,000 transfer in 1997. He was appointed captain in his first full season at the age of only 21. In 1999 Leeds finally landed the first silverware in a decade, and the first Challenge Cup for over 20 years, with a convincing 52–16 win over London at Wembley in front of a crowd of 73,242. In 2000, after a nightmare opening to the season, Leeds put themselves in a position to defend this trophy when they met Yorkshire rivals Bradford
at Murrayfield
, Edinburgh
. It was not to be and after a poor start from Leeds, Bradford edged them out by six points.
Once again a period of transition loomed for Leeds, with many youngsters emerging and taking the place of experienced first team members. Daryl Powell
became coach of Leeds after he retired from playing in 2001.
In 2003 Leeds returned to the Challenge Cup final, again to face Bradford, this time at the Millennium Stadium
, Cardiff
. Leeds once again lost out in a very tense game, losing 22–20 in front of 71,212 fans. The game was memorable for the decision by the Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield
to spurn the opportunity of a 2-point penalty kick to level up the game with just minutes left.
In 2003 Leeds appointed Tony Smith
as Head Coach for the 2004 season, despite being top of the table at the time.
In 2004 Leeds finally shed the 'bridesmaid' tag in Super League. The team picked up its first championship title in 32 years with a narrow win over Bradford
16–8 in the Grand Final at Old Trafford
in front of a sell-out crowd. Teh team followed this by winning the World Club Challenge
beating Australia
n side Canterbury Bulldogs
39–32 in front of 37,028 spectators at Elland Road
, Leeds .
This success was not to be repeated in 2005: after a wonderful first half to the season the team's form slumped and Leeds lost a third Challenge Cup final in six years, shaded by a briefly resurgent Hull 24–25. Leeds then lost the Grand Final in the same season, thwarted by Bradford, 15–6. It was the seventh final Leeds had lost in 10 years.
2006 was hugely disappointing. Leeds finished third in the Super League XI
table, but lost in their first play-off game against Warrington
. There was also a disappointing defeat to Huddersfield
in the semi finals of the Challenge Cup
.
In 2007 Leeds finished second after the 27 regular rounds, and lost 10–8 at St Helens in the grand final eliminator in what many of the players described as the most brutal and tough game of their careers. Leeds then produced a brilliant performance at home to beat a resurgent Wigan
side 36–6, thus reaching the grand final. Leeds triumphed in the final in spectacular circumstances, beating St Helens 33–6 in front of over 71,000 spectators. Leeds' points included 12 from Kevin Sinfield
(meaning he had scored in every match this season). Rob Burrow
was named man-of-the-match winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy.
Tony Smith, who was leaving to coach Great Britain
, departed on a euphoric note as arguably the greatest coach in the club's history (with two Grand Finals and a world challenge title)
Smith was replaced by former New Zealand international team coach Brian McClennan
.
In the warm-up to the 2008 season Leeds played a match in the USA
(against South Sydney Rabbitohs
) for the first time. The game marked the first international Rugby League match held in the USA. The match was played on 26 January 2008 at Hodges Stadium
— University of North Florida with Leeds overcoming South Sydney 26–24. Jacksonville's very own American National Rugby League team the Jacksonville Axemen
hosted the teams as part of the Australia Day festivities.
Soon afterwards Leeds beat Melbourne Storm
11–4 at Elland Road
in the 2008 World Club Challenge
. A Scott Donald
try
combined with a drop goal
by Kevin Sinfield
secured the monumentous win in front of a record crowd of 33,204.
On 4 October 2008 Leeds retained the Super League crown by defeating St. Helens 24–16 in a thrilling contest. Lee Smith and Ryan Hall helped Leeds to a 12–6 lead at half time. Danny McGuire scored twice after the break and Kevin Sinfield successfully converting all four tries.
The team became the first in Leeds RLFC history to win consecutive titles and only the second in Super League history.
Leeds beat St Helens 18-10 at Old Trafford in the Engage Super League grand final
in 2009 and became the first club ever to win the trophy three times in a row.
Leeds is now officially the most dominant team in the "Super League" era and its success has been built on teaming experienced international players from England, Australia and New Zealand with young English talent. This formula has not only worked but is a lesson to other clubs in the importance of blooding young English players.
2011 was a trying year and much of the team and management came in for a lot of criticism following poor early season performances. Following a nail-biting extra-time golden point win over local rivals, Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup, Leeds began to hit form. The so called catalyst for the season though came with a 38-18 loss to Catalan Dragons in July 2011. This defeat left Leeds in 8th place in the league ladder, 25/1 to regain the league title, and in real danger of missing the end of season play-offs. However the Rhinos were to lose only one more league game in the entire season. The team took to the field in the Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Wigan Warriors with media and fans alike writing them off, some giving Wigan as much as a 40 point winning margin. Leeds were poor for the first 20 minutes and were staring down a beating of which so many predicted. From that point on Leeds kicked on and only narrowly missed out on lifting the cup following 60 minutes of domination of the "untouchable" Warriors. The new lease of life continued in the league and into the play-offs where they made short shrift of Hull FC 42-10 on 18th September. Following this win Leeds travelled to take on the Huddersfield Giants in the Elimination Semi-Final. The Giants had finished above Leeds in the league ladder but had been on the end of a 47-0 defeat in the Qualifying Playoff to League Leaders and in form Warrington Wolves. The Rhinos despatched of the Giants in great style with Zak Hardaker crossing three times in the 28-34 victory. With this Leeds put their name in the hat for the Qualifying Semi-finals and were picked by Warrington as their opposition. Again Leeds were written off by everyone in the game as were Wigan's opposition, St Helens, in the other Qualifying Semi Final. This time, unlike Wembley, Leeds were set fair to prove everyone wrong and did so with what was described as the Rhino's "Finest hour" when running out 24-26 victors. Captain "Sir" Kevin Sinfield with a crucial 76th minute penalty goal to win the game, as he did from a similar angle against Castleford in the Challenge Cup Semi-final months previously. In the other Semi-final Saint Helens also sprung a shock beating Wigan, reaching a sixth Grand Final in six years, and also the fourth time in five years Saints would face the Rhinos in the final.
The 2011 Grand Final
was contested in the rain at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 8 October 2011. Leeds fell behind to an early penalty before "Sir Kev" drew the contest level. On the 33rd minute Leeds took the lead through a magical Rob Burrow try, described by many as "The greatest Grand Final try". The Rhinos led 8-2 at the break. Straight from the restart Leeds were under great pressure and despite immense defence they eventually conceded, 8-8. The saints then took more advantage from a scrum-set move and went into a 14-6 lead. From the restart "Sir Kev"'s knighthood was looking in doubt as he kicked the ball out on the full, Jamie Foster converting the resulant penalty for a 16-8 lead with 20 minutes to play. It looked to all that Saints would eventually break their loosing streak at Old Trafford, which stretches back to 2007.
The Rhinos were not in the mood to lie down and fired back with a Brent Webb try. 16-14. Leeds then received a penalty for interference and "Sir Kev" proved the worth of his moniker by tieing the game at 16-16. From there the Rhinos never looked back, tries from Ryan Hall, Carl Ablett and a last minute intercept try from Zak Hardaker confirmed Leeds' win. It was the first time any team had contested the Grand Final from outside the top 3. It was the first time anyone had won from outside the top 3. It was the 5th Grand Final success for Leeds, following '04,'07,'08 and '09. It was a win that meant Leeds Rhinos had been transformed and a win that meant, with 5 Super League titles, that Leeds are the most successful team in Super League history.
Leeds play at Headingley
. The ground now has a capacity of 22,250 including some seating and some standing areas. The new Carnegie stand (pictured) was opened in 2006. The club are currently looking at refurbishing the South Stand and are hoping to rebuild the North Stand, however being as it is double sided they require the support of Yorkshire Cricket first as any redevelopment would have to take place on both sides. Headingley is the largest stadium in the Super League
not to be shared with a football club. The club's plans to redevelop the North Stand look set to be delayed since Yorkshire Cricket have no intention on redeveloping this until their replacement of the 'Winter shed' is complete. This has led to the club exploring the option of redeveloping the Western Terraces instead, however this would require the demolition of six houses and the re-routing of a public right of way. The capacity of the South Stand has been reduced temporarily while structural repairs are carried out. Many fans wish to see the South Stand redeveloped because of its increasingly dilapidated condition and because of the poor state of facilities offered in contrast
Ronnie the Rhino is the Leeds mascot. He attempts to get the crowd going pre-match, and at half-time he normally gets children involved by playing some sort of game.
Ronnie the Rhino visits schools as part of the Leeds RLFC Community project, with the intention of promoting sports and healthy living. Ronnie is sponsored by Cravendale
milk, a brand manufactured nearby in Stourton
. Prior to sponsorship with Cravendale, Ronnie was sponsored by Pepsi
, as at the time the club was sponsored by Tetley's
and under UK law it would be illegal for an alcohol brand to sponsor a figure aimed primarily at children.
reverting to their traditional names after a spell as the 'Hull Sharks' and 'Halifax Blue Sox' respectivelty.
. Leeds also have a cross-city rivalry with Hunslet
(however Leeds are one league above Hunslet making competitive unlikely). There is also a genuine traditional derby with Wakefield Trinity
, and to some extent Huddersfield
, Hull, Castleford
and Featherstone Rovers
, St Helens and Wigan
.
Losses
named Arthur Clues
, Albert "Bert" Cook, Ellery Hanley
, Eric Harris
, Vic Hey
, John Holmes
, Lewis Jones, Danny McGuire
, Garry Schofield
and Frederick "Fred" Webster
, as the greatest ever Leeds RL players.
(1972) Raymond "Ray" Batten
(1974) Sydney "Syd" Hynes
(1974)
Alan smith (1970's) John Atkinson (1976)
Les Dyl
(1980) Roy Dickinson
(1982) David Ward
(1982) David "Dave" Heron
(1987) John Holmes
(two!: 1970's and 1989)
David Creasser
(1992) Francis Cummins
(2004) Barrie McDermott
(2005) Keith Senior
(2007) Kevin Sinfield
(2008)
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
(2009) Matt Diskin
(2010) Rob Burrow
(2011)
, Rugby Football League Championship/Super League Grand Final
, Yorkshire Cup
, Yorkshire League
, played during Super League
, or were international representatives before, or after, their time at Leeds .
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
competition. The club's home is the 20,500 capacity Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. It is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, rugby league team Leeds Rhinos and rugby union team Leeds Carnegie ....
, which is in the suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Headingley
Headingley
Headingley is a suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It is approximately two miles out of the city centre, to the north west along the A660 road...
, northwest Leeds. One of the oldest clubs in the world, Leeds Rhinos is owned by the same company that owns the Leeds Carnegie rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
team. The club is the third most successful rugby league club in England behind only Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
and St Helens, as judged by the number of combined Championships and Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
s won.
The club was founded under the Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
in 1870. In 1895 Leeds was one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that broke away from the establishment and formed what is now the Rugby Football League
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
, making it one of the world's first rugby league teams. Leeds won its first Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
final in 1910, and has gone on to win it eleven more times. The club did not win its first championship until 1961. Since then it has won seven in total, as well as two World Club Challenge
World Club Challenge
The World Club Challenge is an annual rugby league football match held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions to determine the world's best rugby league club...
titles. Leeds was one of the original twelve Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
clubs when rugby league became a summer sport in 1996. TheRhinos nickname and logo was introduced in 1997. On 10 October 2009, Leeds won the Super League Grand Final
2009 Super League Grand Final
The 2009 Super League Grand Final was held on Saturday 10 October 2009, at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK. The match was contested by defending champions and 2009 League Leaders Leeds Rhinos, and the team they had faced in the grand final for the past two years, St Helens.The 2009 decider, contested...
against St Helens at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
, 18–10 meaning that Leeds became the first club to be Super League champions three seasons running.
Early years
Woodhouse Moor
Woodhouse Moor is an open space approximately one mile from Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, England. Today it consists of 3 parts: a formal park, Woodhouse Moor , of around 26 hectares in area on the west of Woodhouse Lane , and two other open areas on the east of it...
a few days a week from 7am to 8am. That advert attracted over 500 members. From this interest several clubs were formed including Leeds St John's.
Leeds St John's was formed in 1870 and was originally known as the "Old Blue and Ambers". The club played at the Militia Barracks from 1870 to 1888 before moving to Cardigan Fields, near Headingley
Headingley
Headingley is a suburb of Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. It is approximately two miles out of the city centre, to the north west along the A660 road...
, Leeds . Membership was originally confined to the church classes but was soon expanded. By 1887 St John's had reached its first cup final, the Yorkshire Cup losing to Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
.
In 1888 the Cardigan Estate was sold at auction and Lot 17a was purchased by a group of Leeds citizens, who intended to form the city's leading sports club. Lot 17a became what is now Headingley Stadium.
Leeds St John's played its final season under that name in 1889–90, before becoming the football section of Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co Ltd the following season. With Headingley still being completed, Leeds' first game was staged at Cardigan Fields, the home side defeating Otley
Otley
-Transport:The main roads through the town are the A660 to the south east, which connects Otley to Bramhope, Adel and Leeds city centre, and the A65 to the west, which goes to Ilkley and Skipton. The A6038 heads to Guiseley, Shipley and Bradford, connecting with the A65...
. The first game at Headingley was played on 20 September 1890, when Manningham were beaten by one try and one dropped goal to nil.
Halifax RLFC
Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town...
at Headingley.
Leeds was a founder member of the Northern Union
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
when it broke away from the Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
in 1895. Leeds' début in the Northern Union was a 6–3 success at Leigh
Leigh Centurions
Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
on 7 September 1895, the inaugural day of the new competition.
In 1901, the Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church
Leeds Parish Church, or the Parish Church of Saint Peter-at-Leeds, in Leeds, West Yorkshire is a large Church of England parish church of major architectural and liturgical significance. It has been designated a grade I listed building by English Heritage...
team disbanded and put all of its players at Leeds' disposal. That same year saw the formation of the Northern Rugby League, with a number of leading clubs leaving the Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League and joining the new competition. Leeds was not admitted until the following year when it was placed in the newly formed second division and quickly gained promotion as runners-up to Keighley
Keighley Cougars
Keighley Cougars are a professional rugby league club from Keighley in West Yorkshire, England. As of 2012 they will play in Co-operative Championship having won the Co-operative Championship 1 play off final 32-12 against Workington...
.
Leeds City FC
Leeds City FC
Leeds City Football Club was the leading professional football club in Leeds, England, before World War I. The club was dissolved in 1919 due to financial irregularities. A new club using the same name was founded in 2005.-History:...
joined soccer's Second Division in 1905–06, and finished sixth out of 20 clubs in the club's first season. Rugby's monopoly with the locals seemed to have been broken, with Leeds Rugby League's average gate numbers falling by nearly 50% in that first league season.
In 1910, Leeds came of age with the team finishing in sixth place in the league, but that was just a warm up for the Challenge Cup campaign. Leeds beat Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
, Rochdale Hornets
Rochdale Hornets
Rochdale Hornets RLFC is an English professional rugby league club from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. They currently play in Championship One...
, Keighley and then scraped through 11-10 against Warrington in the semi-final before meeting Hull
Hull FC
Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition...
in the final. Rain on the morning of the game meant conditions were against flowing rugby. The scores were level at 7-7 with fifteen minutes left, however neither team could break the deadlock and the final went to a replay two days later, again at Fartown, Huddersfield
Huddersfield
Huddersfield is a large market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated halfway between Leeds and Manchester. It lies north of London, and south of Bradford, the nearest city....
. Leeds made no mistake this time and ran out convincing 26-12 winners having led 16-0 at half time.
The club lost many players to the First World War and the usual league programme was interrupted during 1914-1918. During this period, Leeds played a number of "guest players" in the Emergency League competition. The Headingley club reached the Championship final for the first time in 1915, but lost 35–2 toHuddersfield
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C....
, then a record score. The Emergency League was then suspended.
Leeds reverted to rugby union during World War I to play a one-off challenge game against the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
Depot from Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
in 1917. This was a precursor to the following Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
when two Challenge games were organised between the two sides but this time with one of each code. The Navy won the union game 9-3 on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
but proved equally adapt at league recording a 24-3 win on 28 December.
Inter-war period
In 1921, Harold BuckHarold Buck
Harold Buck was a British rugby league footballer. A winger, in November 1921, Buck became rugby league's first £1,000 player when transferred from Hunslet to Leeds. ....
became the game’s first £1,000 transfer when he moved from Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
to Leeds .
On Saturday 27 October 1934, Leeds and Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
met in the final of the Yorkshire Cup at Crown Flatt
Crown Flatt
Crown Flatt, known as the Tetley's Stadium for sponsorship purposes, is a rugby league stadium on Owl Lane in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England. It is the home of Dewsbury rugby league club...
, Dewsbury
Dewsbury Rams
Dewsbury Rams RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury. They are arguably most famous for becoming Champions in 1972-73 after finishing the regular season in 8th place. In the playoffs they beat Featherstone away, Warrington away, and then Leeds in the...
. The match was played in front of a crowd of 22,598 and ended in a 5–5 draw. Four days later the two clubs drew again, with Leeds eventually lifting the trophy after a second replay, the only occasion it took three attempts to settle a Yorkshire Cup Final. A total of 52,402 spectators watched the three games.
In 1937, Leeds paid the stand-off Vic Hey
Vic Hey
Vic Hey born Liverpool, New South Wales, was an Australian rugby league national and state representative five-eighth and later a successful first-grade and national coach. His Australian club playing career commenced with the Western Suburbs Magpies and concluded with the Parramatta Eels. In...
a then-record £1,400 signing-on fee to lure him from Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Vic was regarded as a major loss to the Australian game and this contributed to the RFL imposing a ban on international transfers, which lasted until 1940.
In 1938, Leeds played Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
in the Rugby Football League Championship semi-final. Leeds won the match 5 points to 2 to set up a history making all-Leeds clash with neighbours Hunslet in the final. The match was played at the Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
football ground, to accommodate a huge demand from the city’s rugby league supporters. Over 54,000 people watched the game, a then record for a match in England, Hunslet triumphed 8–2 to take the title.
Leeds won the Challenge Cup in 1941 and 1942.
Post-war
Following the Second World War, Leeds club struggled to make a serious impact in rugby league despite having a financial advantage over the majority of other teams.It was not until the late 1950s, when in 1957 the club secured its first post-war Challenge Cup victory, that the young side being built began to show signs of what was to come. Joe Warham
Joe Warham
Joe Warham is a rugby league administrator and coach having served Leeds Rugby League Football Club for over forty years....
came to Leeds as coach in 1958 and a Yorkshire Cup triumph followed, but the side still lacked enough quality to compete at the top of the Lancashire section of the competition in which it was then playing.
However "the Loiners" (their historical nickname) were to establish themselves as a dominant force by the end of the coming decade. In 1960 Dai Prosser was appointed to assist Joe Warham with the coaching duties and the club signed a new back three of Jack Fairbank, Bryan Shaw and Dennis Goodwin to strengthen the forward pack. The recruitment paid off: the club was crowned Champions for the first time in 1961 with Lewis Jones leading them to a 25–10 victory over Warrington
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
in the Championship Final at Odsal Stadium
Odsal Stadium
Odsal Stadium is a stadium situated in Odsal, Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. The venue is used for rugby league and has been the home ground of Bradford Bulls/Bradford Northern since 1934...
, Bradford
Bradford
Bradford lies at the heart of the City of Bradford, a metropolitan borough of West Yorkshire, in Northern England. It is situated in the foothills of the Pennines, west of Leeds, and northwest of Wakefield. Bradford became a municipal borough in 1847, and received its charter as a city in 1897...
.
In the late 1960s, under the guidance of Roy Francis, Leeds repeatedly finished top of the league. The club contested perhaps the most memorable of all Wembley occasions, the "watersplash final" of 1968, which was played despite a downpour that saturated the pitch. It produced the most dramatic of finishes, when Lance Todd trophy
Lance Todd Trophy
The Lance Todd Trophy is awarded to the Man-of-the-Match in rugby league football's Challenge Cup Final.The trophy was introduced in 1946, in memory of Lance Todd, the New Zealand-born player and administrator, who was killed in a road accident during the Second World War...
winner Don Fox
Don Fox
Don Fox was an English rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s for Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity. He is the brother of Peter and Neil Fox, and together they formed one of the legendary rugby league families...
had the easiest of conversions to win it for Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, but missed it to leave Leeds 11–10 winners.
Francis then quit the club to take up a coaching position in Australia, and Joe Warham again took charge as coach, on an interim basis, midway through the 1969 campaign. The Championship trophy duly returned to Headingley for the second time after a tough final against Castleford at Odsal Stadium.
In 1970 Leeds returned to the Championship final, and Odsal, but lost to St Helens despite having taken an early lead. Tables were turned in December when the same teams met in the final of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
The BBC2 Floodlit Trophy was a competition for British rugby league clubs held between 1965 and 1980. It was designed specifically for television, and the then director of BBC2, broadcaster David Attenborough, was instrumental in its creation...
, Leeds emerging victorious this time.
Coached by Derek "Rocky" Turner
Derek Turner
Derek "Rocky" Turner is an English former professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1940s, '50s and 60s, and coach of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Hull Kingston Rovers, Oldham...
, Leeds returned to Wembley in 1971 and 1972 but lost out both times — in 1971 losing 24–7 to rank outsiders Leigh
Leigh Centurions
Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
and suffering the indignity of captain Syd Hynes
Syd Hynes
Sydney "Syd" Hynes is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s, and coach of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , i.e...
being the first man to 'take an early bath' at Wembley. A third championship, in 1972, provided consolation.
Eric Ashton
Eric Ashton
Eric Ashton MBE was an English professional Rugby League World Cup-winning footballer of the 1950s and '60s and later a coach. He played his whole first grade football career for Wigan along with at times both captaining and coaching them; his position of choice was right centre...
(former Wigan and Great Britain centre) coached Leeds for the 1973–74 season before leaving to coach St Helens.
Leeds continued to collect silverware: the Regal Trophy in 1973 and the Premiership (the then-current form of the championship playoff) in 1975. The team held the Yorkshire Cup seven times between 1969 and 1980.
In the 1976–77 season, the Salford
Salford City Reds
Salford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
versus Leeds match was abandoned after 38 minutes when Chris Sanderson
Christopher Sanderson
Christopher "Chris" Sanderson was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at club played for York Juniors, and Leeds, playing /, or /, i.e...
of Leeds suffered a fatal injury. Leeds led 5–2, but the game was declared null and void and not replayed. The club recovered to win the Challenge Cup at the end of that season. This success was repeated in 1978, in a classic final against St Helens at Wembley Stadium with Leeds completing what was then a record comeback. Former captain Syd Hynes was coach on both occasions.
This was followed up with another Premiership win, in 1979.
However these victories were the 'last hurrah' of the great '60s and '70s sides and a barren spell followed in the '80s. Leeds' only triumphs were the 1984 John Player Trophy
Regal Trophy
The Regal Trophy was a knock-out competition for British rugby league football clubs between 1971 and 1996.It was initially for professional clubs with the exception of two amateur teams who were finalists of the BARLA National Cup...
(beating Widnes
Widnes Vikings
Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward...
) and the 1988 Yorkshire Cup
Rugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
(beating Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
). Leeds were beaten finalists in the John Player Trophy
Regal Trophy
The Regal Trophy was a knock-out competition for British rugby league football clubs between 1971 and 1996.It was initially for professional clubs with the exception of two amateur teams who were finalists of the BARLA National Cup...
four times in the 1980s and '90s.
Leeds eventually returned to Wembley for a Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
final appearance in 1994 against Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
. The game was memorable for a length of the field try by Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
, considered by many to be one the greatest tries
Try
A try is the major way of scoring points in rugby league and rugby union football. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area...
ever scored, which clinched the game for Wigan. Leeds returned to Wembley a year later, again to face Wigan again, but were beaten more easily.
Summer era
Sheffield Eagles
Sheffield Eagles RLFC are an English rugby league club based in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Their home games are played at Bramall Lane after leaving Don Valley Stadium in late 2009....
and joined Paul Caddick to take over the ailing Leeds C F & A Co Ltd, owners and operators of Headingley Stadium and Leeds Rugby League Club.
1996 marked the beginning of summer rugby as the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
season and changed from a winter to a summer season.
In 1997, the club renamed itself Leeds Rhinos. Dean Bell
Dean Bell
Dean Bell is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach. A New Zealand international representative centre, he played his club football in England, Australia and New Zealand, but most notably with Wigan, with whom he won seven consecutive Challenge Cup finals, a Lance Todd Trophy and a...
took over as head coach following his retirement as a player at Auckland Warriors. Leeds experienced great financial difficulty and even flirted with relegation. Following the purchase of the club by Caddick and Hetherington the turnaround was quick, however, and in 1998 Leeds once again reached a major final, facing Wigan in the inaugural Grand Final, at Old Trafford
Old Trafford (football)
Old Trafford is a football stadium in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Manchester United. With a capacity of 75,811, Old Trafford is the second-largest football stadium in England after Wembley, the third-largest in the United Kingdom and the eleventh-largest in Europe...
, Manchester. Leeds lost 10–4 in a tense and very evenly matched game.
Iestyn Harris
Iestyn Harris
Iestyn Rhys Harris is a Welsh former rugby league footballer, who is currently the assistant coach at Wigan Warriors. Harris is a former Man of Steel winner and has also represented Wales on numerous occasions at both codes of rugby...
joined Leeds for a record breaking £350,000 transfer in 1997. He was appointed captain in his first full season at the age of only 21. In 1999 Leeds finally landed the first silverware in a decade, and the first Challenge Cup for over 20 years, with a convincing 52–16 win over London at Wembley in front of a crowd of 73,242. In 2000, after a nightmare opening to the season, Leeds put themselves in a position to defend this trophy when they met Yorkshire rivals Bradford
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
at Murrayfield
Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
, Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
. It was not to be and after a poor start from Leeds, Bradford edged them out by six points.
Once again a period of transition loomed for Leeds, with many youngsters emerging and taking the place of experienced first team members. Daryl Powell
Daryl Powell
Daryl A. Powell is an English rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League football club. He is a former /for Keighley Cougars, Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos...
became coach of Leeds after he retired from playing in 2001.
In 2003 Leeds returned to the Challenge Cup final, again to face Bradford, this time at the Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...
, Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
. Leeds once again lost out in a very tense game, losing 22–20 in front of 71,212 fans. The game was memorable for the decision by the Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield is an English professional rugby league player. He is the captain of the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. His recognised position is /, although he can cover both /, and . He has represented both England and Great Britain at international level.-Career:Sinfield began his career at...
to spurn the opportunity of a 2-point penalty kick to level up the game with just minutes left.
In 2003 Leeds appointed Tony Smith
Tony Smith (Australian rugby league coach)
Tony Smith is a British-Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently Head of Coaching at English Super League club, Warrington Wolves...
as Head Coach for the 2004 season, despite being top of the table at the time.
In 2004 Leeds finally shed the 'bridesmaid' tag in Super League. The team picked up its first championship title in 32 years with a narrow win over Bradford
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
16–8 in the Grand Final at Old Trafford
Old Trafford (football)
Old Trafford is a football stadium in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Manchester United. With a capacity of 75,811, Old Trafford is the second-largest football stadium in England after Wembley, the third-largest in the United Kingdom and the eleventh-largest in Europe...
in front of a sell-out crowd. Teh team followed this by winning the World Club Challenge
World Club Challenge
The World Club Challenge is an annual rugby league football match held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions to determine the world's best rugby league club...
beating Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n side Canterbury Bulldogs
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Belmore, a suburb in the Canterbury-Bankstown region of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, as well as New South Wales Rugby League junior competitions...
39–32 in front of 37,028 spectators at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
, Leeds .
This success was not to be repeated in 2005: after a wonderful first half to the season the team's form slumped and Leeds lost a third Challenge Cup final in six years, shaded by a briefly resurgent Hull 24–25. Leeds then lost the Grand Final in the same season, thwarted by Bradford, 15–6. It was the seventh final Leeds had lost in 10 years.
2006 was hugely disappointing. Leeds finished third in the Super League XI
Super League XI
Engage Super League XI was the official name for the year 2006's Super League season in the sport of rugby league in Europe. Bradford Bulls were looking to retain the title they won in Super League X....
table, but lost in their first play-off game against Warrington
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
. There was also a disappointing defeat to Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C....
in the semi finals of the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
.
In 2007 Leeds finished second after the 27 regular rounds, and lost 10–8 at St Helens in the grand final eliminator in what many of the players described as the most brutal and tough game of their careers. Leeds then produced a brilliant performance at home to beat a resurgent Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
side 36–6, thus reaching the grand final. Leeds triumphed in the final in spectacular circumstances, beating St Helens 33–6 in front of over 71,000 spectators. Leeds' points included 12 from Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield is an English professional rugby league player. He is the captain of the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. His recognised position is /, although he can cover both /, and . He has represented both England and Great Britain at international level.-Career:Sinfield began his career at...
(meaning he had scored in every match this season). Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow is an English professional rugby league footballer with the Leeds Rhinos of Super League. He has represented both England and Great Britain as a hooker/half. He has spent his whole career to date at Leeds, having won the Super League championship with them five times...
was named man-of-the-match winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy.
Tony Smith, who was leaving to coach Great Britain
Great Britain national rugby league team
The Great Britain national rugby league team represents the United Kingdom in rugby league football. Administered by the Rugby Football League , the team is nicknamed "The Lions" or "Great Britain Lions"....
, departed on a euphoric note as arguably the greatest coach in the club's history (with two Grand Finals and a world challenge title)
Smith was replaced by former New Zealand international team coach Brian McClennan
Brian McClennan
Brian "Bluey" McClennan is the head coach for the New Zealand Warriors of the National Rugby League . He was previously the head coach of the New Zealand national team and then England's Leeds Rhinos club...
.
In the warm-up to the 2008 season Leeds played a match in the USA
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
(against South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney Rabbitohs
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital...
) for the first time. The game marked the first international Rugby League match held in the USA. The match was played on 26 January 2008 at Hodges Stadium
Hodges Stadium
Hodges Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium at the University of North Florida , and the home field for the North Florida Ospreys soccer, track and field, and cross country teams. It is located on the university's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S...
— University of North Florida with Leeds overcoming South Sydney 26–24. Jacksonville's very own American National Rugby League team the Jacksonville Axemen
Jacksonville Axemen
-Southeastern Rugby League Championship:In 2011 the Axemen launched a reserve grade competition, the Firehouse Subs Southeastern Rugby League Championship, which acts as a feeder club system for the Axemen to further develop players...
hosted the teams as part of the Australia Day festivities.
Soon afterwards Leeds beat Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne Storm are an Australian professional rugby league club based in the city of Melbourne. They are the first fully professional rugby league team based in the Australian rules football-dominated state of Victoria....
11–4 at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in the 2008 World Club Challenge
2008 World Club Challenge
The 2008 Carnegie World Club Challenge was contested between Super League XII champions, the Leeds Rhinos and National Rugby League season 2007 premiers, the Melbourne Storm. For the fifth consecutive year the English home team defeated their Australian counterparts.-Leeds Rhinos:Leeds Rhinos...
. A Scott Donald
Scott Donald
Scott Albert Donald is a retired Australian professional rugby league footballer and played for the Leeds Rhinos of the European Super League competition...
try
Try
A try is the major way of scoring points in rugby league and rugby union football. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area...
combined with a drop goal
Field goal (rugby)
A drop goal, also referred to as a dropped goal or field goal, is a method of scoring points in rugby union and rugby league. A drop goal cannot be scored in open play by punting the ball, and instead must be scored by drop kicking the ball over the crossbar and between the uprights. After the...
by Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield is an English professional rugby league player. He is the captain of the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. His recognised position is /, although he can cover both /, and . He has represented both England and Great Britain at international level.-Career:Sinfield began his career at...
secured the monumentous win in front of a record crowd of 33,204.
On 4 October 2008 Leeds retained the Super League crown by defeating St. Helens 24–16 in a thrilling contest. Lee Smith and Ryan Hall helped Leeds to a 12–6 lead at half time. Danny McGuire scored twice after the break and Kevin Sinfield successfully converting all four tries.
The team became the first in Leeds RLFC history to win consecutive titles and only the second in Super League history.
Leeds beat St Helens 18-10 at Old Trafford in the Engage Super League grand final
2009 Super League Grand Final
The 2009 Super League Grand Final was held on Saturday 10 October 2009, at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK. The match was contested by defending champions and 2009 League Leaders Leeds Rhinos, and the team they had faced in the grand final for the past two years, St Helens.The 2009 decider, contested...
in 2009 and became the first club ever to win the trophy three times in a row.
Leeds is now officially the most dominant team in the "Super League" era and its success has been built on teaming experienced international players from England, Australia and New Zealand with young English talent. This formula has not only worked but is a lesson to other clubs in the importance of blooding young English players.
2011 was a trying year and much of the team and management came in for a lot of criticism following poor early season performances. Following a nail-biting extra-time golden point win over local rivals, Castleford Tigers in the Challenge Cup, Leeds began to hit form. The so called catalyst for the season though came with a 38-18 loss to Catalan Dragons in July 2011. This defeat left Leeds in 8th place in the league ladder, 25/1 to regain the league title, and in real danger of missing the end of season play-offs. However the Rhinos were to lose only one more league game in the entire season. The team took to the field in the Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Wigan Warriors with media and fans alike writing them off, some giving Wigan as much as a 40 point winning margin. Leeds were poor for the first 20 minutes and were staring down a beating of which so many predicted. From that point on Leeds kicked on and only narrowly missed out on lifting the cup following 60 minutes of domination of the "untouchable" Warriors. The new lease of life continued in the league and into the play-offs where they made short shrift of Hull FC 42-10 on 18th September. Following this win Leeds travelled to take on the Huddersfield Giants in the Elimination Semi-Final. The Giants had finished above Leeds in the league ladder but had been on the end of a 47-0 defeat in the Qualifying Playoff to League Leaders and in form Warrington Wolves. The Rhinos despatched of the Giants in great style with Zak Hardaker crossing three times in the 28-34 victory. With this Leeds put their name in the hat for the Qualifying Semi-finals and were picked by Warrington as their opposition. Again Leeds were written off by everyone in the game as were Wigan's opposition, St Helens, in the other Qualifying Semi Final. This time, unlike Wembley, Leeds were set fair to prove everyone wrong and did so with what was described as the Rhino's "Finest hour" when running out 24-26 victors. Captain "Sir" Kevin Sinfield with a crucial 76th minute penalty goal to win the game, as he did from a similar angle against Castleford in the Challenge Cup Semi-final months previously. In the other Semi-final Saint Helens also sprung a shock beating Wigan, reaching a sixth Grand Final in six years, and also the fourth time in five years Saints would face the Rhinos in the final.
The 2011 Grand Final
2011 Super League Grand Final
The 2011 Super League Grand Final is the conclusive and championship-deciding game of the Super League XVI season. It will be held on Saturday, 8 October at Manchester, England's Old Trafford stadium. The match was contested by St Helens RFC and the Leeds Rhinos, who last faced each other in a...
was contested in the rain at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 8 October 2011. Leeds fell behind to an early penalty before "Sir Kev" drew the contest level. On the 33rd minute Leeds took the lead through a magical Rob Burrow try, described by many as "The greatest Grand Final try". The Rhinos led 8-2 at the break. Straight from the restart Leeds were under great pressure and despite immense defence they eventually conceded, 8-8. The saints then took more advantage from a scrum-set move and went into a 14-6 lead. From the restart "Sir Kev"'s knighthood was looking in doubt as he kicked the ball out on the full, Jamie Foster converting the resulant penalty for a 16-8 lead with 20 minutes to play. It looked to all that Saints would eventually break their loosing streak at Old Trafford, which stretches back to 2007.
The Rhinos were not in the mood to lie down and fired back with a Brent Webb try. 16-14. Leeds then received a penalty for interference and "Sir Kev" proved the worth of his moniker by tieing the game at 16-16. From there the Rhinos never looked back, tries from Ryan Hall, Carl Ablett and a last minute intercept try from Zak Hardaker confirmed Leeds' win. It was the first time any team had contested the Grand Final from outside the top 3. It was the first time anyone had won from outside the top 3. It was the 5th Grand Final success for Leeds, following '04,'07,'08 and '09. It was a win that meant Leeds Rhinos had been transformed and a win that meant, with 5 Super League titles, that Leeds are the most successful team in Super League history.
Stadium
Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. It is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, rugby league team Leeds Rhinos and rugby union team Leeds Carnegie ....
. The ground now has a capacity of 22,250 including some seating and some standing areas. The new Carnegie stand (pictured) was opened in 2006. The club are currently looking at refurbishing the South Stand and are hoping to rebuild the North Stand, however being as it is double sided they require the support of Yorkshire Cricket first as any redevelopment would have to take place on both sides. Headingley is the largest stadium in the Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
not to be shared with a football club. The club's plans to redevelop the North Stand look set to be delayed since Yorkshire Cricket have no intention on redeveloping this until their replacement of the 'Winter shed' is complete. This has led to the club exploring the option of redeveloping the Western Terraces instead, however this would require the demolition of six houses and the re-routing of a public right of way. The capacity of the South Stand has been reduced temporarily while structural repairs are carried out. Many fans wish to see the South Stand redeveloped because of its increasingly dilapidated condition and because of the poor state of facilities offered in contrast
Mascot
Ronnie the Rhino is the Leeds mascot. He attempts to get the crowd going pre-match, and at half-time he normally gets children involved by playing some sort of game.
Ronnie the Rhino visits schools as part of the Leeds RLFC Community project, with the intention of promoting sports and healthy living. Ronnie is sponsored by Cravendale
Cravendale
-Product Characteristics:Cravendale milk is filtered before high temperature pasteurization to remove pathogens. This process gives the product an extended shelf life for which a premium is charged...
milk, a brand manufactured nearby in Stourton
Stourton, West Yorkshire
Stourton is a mainly industrial area of the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.The area is 2 miles to the south east of Leeds city centre and lies between Hunslet, the M1 motorway and Cross Green in the LS10 postcode area....
. Prior to sponsorship with Cravendale, Ronnie was sponsored by Pepsi
Pepsi
Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...
, as at the time the club was sponsored by Tetley's
Tetley's Bitter
Tetley's was a brewery founded in 1822 by Joshua Tetley in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England which operated for 189 years until it was closed in June 2011. The brewery was owned by the Carlsberg Group and produced a range of beers, including Tetley's Bitter, and was the world's largest producer of...
and under UK law it would be illegal for an alcohol brand to sponsor a figure aimed primarily at children.
Merchandising
The club's merchandising campaign is supported by two club shops, one at the stadium and another in the Merrion Centre. Ronnie the Rhino forms part of the club merchandising campaign, particularly in the club's marketing to its younger support. The club each season sells a different home and away jersey, as well as other branded clothes such as training wear and polo shirts. The club has in the past sold replicas of past jerseys. The club's marketing division has become a more intrinsic part of its income since it adopted the 'Rhinos' nickname and mascot. This trend is replicated across most Super League clubs since the change to Super League, with only Hull and HalifaxHalifax RLFC
Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town...
reverting to their traditional names after a spell as the 'Hull Sharks' and 'Halifax Blue Sox' respectivelty.
Rivalries
Leeds' main local rivals are BradfordBradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
. Leeds also have a cross-city rivalry with Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
(however Leeds are one league above Hunslet making competitive unlikely). There is also a genuine traditional derby with Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, and to some extent Huddersfield
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C....
, Hull, Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
and Featherstone Rovers
Featherstone Rovers
Featherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century...
, St Helens and Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
.
Honours
- World Club ChallengeWorld Club ChallengeThe World Club Challenge is an annual rugby league football match held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions to determine the world's best rugby league club...
: 2005, 2008 (twice) - Championship (including Super LeagueSuper LeagueSuper League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
): 1960–61, 1968–69, 1971–72, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 (eight times) - Challenge CupChallenge CupThe Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
: 1909–10, 1922–23, 1931–32, 1935–36, 1940–41, 1941–42, 1956–57, 1967–68, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1999 (11 times) - PremiershipRugby League PremiershipThe Rugby League Premiership was a competition for British rugby league clubs that operated between 1973 and 1995. As the Super League Premiership the competition continued to operate until 1997....
: 1974–75, 1978–79 (twice) - Yorkshire CupRugby league county cupsHistorically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
: 1921–22, 1928–29, 1930–31, 1932–33, 1934–35, 1935–36, 1937–38, 1958–59, 1968–69, 1970–71, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1975–76, 1976,77, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1988–89 (17 times) - Yorkshire LeagueRugby league county leaguesThe Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
: 1901–02, 1927–28, 1930–31, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1936–37, 1950–51, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1960–61, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70 (14 times) - Regal TrophyRegal TrophyThe Regal Trophy was a knock-out competition for British rugby league football clubs between 1971 and 1996.It was initially for professional clubs with the exception of two amateur teams who were finalists of the BARLA National Cup...
: 1972–73, 1983–84 (twice) - BBC2 Floodlit TrophyBBC2 Floodlit TrophyThe BBC2 Floodlit Trophy was a competition for British rugby league clubs held between 1965 and 1980. It was designed specifically for television, and the then director of BBC2, broadcaster David Attenborough, was instrumental in its creation...
: 1970-71
2012 Squad
*Announced on 10/11/20112012 Transfers
Gains| Player | Club | Until end of |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Moore Richard Moore (rugby league) Richard Moore is a rugby league footballer who plays for the Crusaders. He has previously played for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, London Broncos, Bradford Bulls and Leigh Centurions. He is a Prop Forward.-External links:******- References :... |
Crusaders RL | 2014 |
| Luke Briscoe Luke Briscoe Luke Briscoe is a rugby league player who currently plays for Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He can play either Full Back or Stand Off. He joined Leeds Rhinos on the 22nd September, after playing his youth career at Hull F.C.. He signed a 4 year contract with the club. He is also the brother of... |
Hull FC Hull FC Hull Football Club, commonly referred to as Hull or Hull FC, is a professional rugby league football club established in 1865 and based in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The club plays in the Super League competition... |
2015 |
| Darrell Griffin Darrell Griffin Darrell Griffin is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Leeds Rhinos of Super League. An England international representative prop forward, his former clubs include Oxford Cavaliers, London Broncos, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Huddersfield Giants.He is notable as being a top... |
Huddersfield Giants Huddersfield Giants Huddersfield Giants are a professional rugby league club from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire who play in the European Super League competition. They play their home games at the Galpharm Stadium which is shared with Huddersfield Town F.C.... |
2014 |
Losses
| Player | Club | Until end of |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Senior Keith Senior Keith Senior is an English professional rugby league or who most recently played for the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. He has won every honour in the English domestic game. He holds the record for the most Super League appearances & the most Super League tries... |
Released | - |
| Ben Cross Ben Cross Ben Cross is a British actor of the stage and screen, best known for his portrayal of the British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.-Early life:... |
Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... (2011), Widnes Vikings Widnes Vikings Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward... (2012) |
2013 |
| Luke Burgess Luke Burgess (rugby league) Luke Burgess is an English rugby league footballer currently playing for Australian NRL side South Sydney RabbitohsBorn in Wakefield, he played for the Leeds Rhinos having previously been on loan to Harlequins RL and Doncaster... |
South Sydney Rabbitohs South Sydney Rabbitohs The South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital... |
2013 |
| Ali Lauitiiti Ali Lauitiiti Ali Lauitiiti is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for English club Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the National Rugby League for the Warriors... |
Wakefield Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
2014 |
| Danny Buderus Danny Buderus Danny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL... |
Newcastle Knights Newcastle Knights The Newcastle Knights are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Newcastle, New South Wales. They compete in Australasia's premier rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership... |
2012 |
| Kyle Amor Kyle Amor Kyle Amor is an English professional rugby league footballer. He is currently contracted to Leeds. He is on a season long loan to Wakefield Trinity-References:... |
Wakefield Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
Loan |
| George Elliott | York City Knights York City Knights York City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre... |
- |
| Michael Coady Michael Coady (rugby league) Michael Coady is an English rugby league footballer for Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He plays at .He attended Bristol Grammar School and Loughborough University.-Career:... |
Released | - |
| Callum Casey | Halifax R.L.F.C | - |
Notable players
The Yorkshire Evening PostYorkshire Evening Post
The Yorkshire Evening Post is a daily evening publication published by Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England...
named Arthur Clues
Arthur Clues
Arthur Clues was an Australian professional rugby league player for Wests, New South Wales, and Australia. He primarily played in the second-row, i.e. number 11 or 12...
, Albert "Bert" Cook, Ellery Hanley
Ellery Hanley
Ellery Cuthwyn Hanley MBE is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, and former head coach of Great Britain, St. Helens and Doncaster. As a player he played most of his games at /, or /. Over a period of nineteen years, he played for Bradford Northern, Wigan, Balmain,...
, Eric Harris
Eric Harris (rugby league)
Eric C. 'Toowoomba Ghost' Harris is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at club level has played for Western Suburbs, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
, Vic Hey
Vic Hey
Vic Hey born Liverpool, New South Wales, was an Australian rugby league national and state representative five-eighth and later a successful first-grade and national coach. His Australian club playing career commenced with the Western Suburbs Magpies and concluded with the Parramatta Eels. In...
, John Holmes
John Holmes (rugby league)
John S. Holmes was an English Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s, who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, and Barrow.-International honours:...
, Lewis Jones, Danny McGuire
Danny McGuire
Danny McGuire is an English professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. His preferred position is at /. He has played his entire career to date with the Rhinos, having come through the club's Academy....
, Garry Schofield
Garry Schofield
Garry E. Schofield OBE is an English retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. At the time of his retirement he was the most-capped Great Britain player of all time along with Mick Sullivan, with 46 appearances. He also won three England caps, making him the highest...
and Frederick "Fred" Webster
Fred Webster (rugby league)
Frederick "Fred" Webster was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s and '10s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , or , i.e...
, as the greatest ever Leeds RL players.
Players earning international caps while at Leeds
Players receiving testimonial matches
Lewis Jones (1963) Michael "Mick" ShoebottomMick Shoebottom
Michael "Mick" D. "Shoey" Shoebottom was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s who at representative level played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , /, or /, i.e...
(1972) Raymond "Ray" Batten
Ray Batten
Ray Batten is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s, and coach of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at /, i.e...
(1974) Sydney "Syd" Hynes
Syd Hynes
Sydney "Syd" Hynes is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s, and coach of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , i.e...
(1974)
Alan smith (1970's) John Atkinson (1976)
Les Dyl
Les Dyl
Leslie "Les" P. Dyl is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , or , i.e...
(1980) Roy Dickinson
Roy Dickinson
Roy Dickinson is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, playing at , i.e...
(1982) David Ward
David Ward (Rugby League)
David J. Ward is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. A hooker, he played for and managed Leeds RLFC. Possibly the greatest moment of his playing career was his performance during the 1978 Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium against St Helens, where he gave a commanding...
(1982) David "Dave" Heron
David Heron
David "Dave" Heron is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Leeds, Bradford Northern, and Batley, playing at , i.e...
(1987) John Holmes
John Holmes (rugby league)
John S. Holmes was an English Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s, who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, and Barrow.-International honours:...
(two!: 1970's and 1989)
David Creasser
David Creasser
David L. Creasser is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, and Keighley Cougars, playing at , i.e...
(1992) Francis Cummins
Francis Cummins
Francis Cummins is a former English rugby league footballer. His position of choice was fullback though he also regularly played at centre and winger.-Early Honours:...
(2004) Barrie McDermott
Barrie McDermott
Barrie McDermott is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Great Britain international representative , he played his club football at Oldham, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos , Bramley and Widnes.McDermott later became the Head of Youth Development with...
(2005) Keith Senior
Keith Senior
Keith Senior is an English professional rugby league or who most recently played for the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. He has won every honour in the English domestic game. He holds the record for the most Super League appearances & the most Super League tries...
(2007) Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield
Kevin Sinfield is an English professional rugby league player. He is the captain of the Leeds Rhinos in Super League. His recognised position is /, although he can cover both /, and . He has represented both England and Great Britain at international level.-Career:Sinfield began his career at...
(2008)
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Jamie Jones-Buchanan is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for Leeds of Super League. An England international representative second-rower, he has played his entire professional career to date with Leeds and has won four Super League championships with the club.His Leeds...
(2009) Matt Diskin
Matt Diskin
Matt Diskin is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Super League. A Great Britain and England international representative hooker, he played ten years with Leeds Rhinos, having won four Super League championships with the club, before moving to the Bulls for the...
(2010) Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow
Rob Burrow is an English professional rugby league footballer with the Leeds Rhinos of Super League. He has represented both England and Great Britain as a hooker/half. He has spent his whole career to date at Leeds, having won the Super League championship with them five times...
(2011)
Other notable players
These players have either; won Challenge CupChallenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
, Rugby Football League Championship/Super League Grand Final
Super League Grand Final
The Super League Grand Final is the championship-deciding game of the Super League rugby league football competition...
, Yorkshire Cup
Rugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
, Yorkshire League
Rugby league county leagues
The Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
, played during Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
, or were international representatives before, or after, their time at Leeds .
- Carl AblettCarl AblettCarl Ablett is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Leeds Rhinos of Europe's Super League competition. Carl made numerous appearances in the second half of the 06/07 season after recovering from injury, he was part of the Grand Final 2007 winning squad selected by Tony...
- Matt AdamsonMatt AdamsonMatt Adamson is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative second-row forward, he played club football in Australia with the Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers, and Canberra Raiders,...
circa-2000s - Danny AllanDanny AllanDanny Allan born 4 September 1989 in York, Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player for the Featherstone Rovers and previously for Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He also spent a month on loan at Doncaster in 2010. He plays as a /....
- Luke AmblerLuke AmblerLuke Ambler is a rugby league prop. Ambler was born in Holmfield, Halifax, West Yorkshire.Ambler made his full debut with the Salford City Reds in August 2008...
- Kyle AmorKyle AmorKyle Amor is an English professional rugby league footballer. He is currently contracted to Leeds. He is on a season long loan to Wakefield Trinity-References:...
- Paul Anderson
- George AndrewsGeorge Andrews (rugby player)George Edward Andrews was a Welsh dual code rugby wing who played rugby union for Newport RFC and rugby league for Leeds. Andrews was capped for the Wales rugby union team on five occasions.-Rugby career:...
circa-1920s - Éric AnselmeÉric AnselmeÉric Anselme is a rugby league player for Toulouse Olympique in the Co-operative Championship. He joined Toulouse Olympique following a loan spell at Leeds Rhinos...
circa-2000s - Sam BackoSam BackoSam Backo is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who has been named as one of the greatest Aboriginal players of the 20th century. He represented Australia and Queensland, and played club football in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership for the Canberra...
- James "Jim" Bacon circa-1920s
- Marcus BaiMarcus BaiMarcus Bai is a Papua New Guinean former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. Primarily a winger, he played his final season in 2006 for English Super League team Bradford Bulls. He is the only man to win the World Club Challenge with three different clubs...
circa-2000s - William "Billy" BanksWilliam Banks (rugby league)William "Billy" Banks is a Welsh former rugby union and professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level has played rugby union for Maesteg RFC, playing at Scrum-half, i.e...
- Dwayne BarkerDwayne BarkerDwayne Barker is an English rugby league player.Dwayne Barker's usual position is second-row forward, he can also operate in the centres....
- Edward "Ted" Barnard (#10) circa-1970
- David BarnhillDavid BarnhillDavid Barnhill is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. His club career was with the Canberra Raiders, St. George Dragons, Sydney City and Leeds Rhinos...
circa-1990s - Dean BellDean BellDean Bell is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach. A New Zealand international representative centre, he played his club football in England, Australia and New Zealand, but most notably with Wigan, with whom he won seven consecutive Challenge Cup finals, a Lance Todd Trophy and a...
circa-1990s - Paul BellPaul Bell (rugby league)Paul Bell , was a rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks from 1991–94, the Western Suburbs Magpies from 1995–96, the Western Reds in 1997 and finally the Melbourne Storm in 1998-99...
circa-1990s - Anthony "Tony" Binder circa-1970s
- Richie BlackmoreRichie Blackmore (rugby league)James Richard "Richie" Blackmore is a rugby league coach and former professional footballer who represented his country. His position of preference was in the centres. He is currently the head coach of the Auckland Vulcans....
circa-1990s - Liam BothamLiam BothamLiam James Botham is a former rugby player who played rugby union and later rugby league. He is the son of English Test cricketer Ian Botham. His godfather is the former West Indian cricket captain Viv Richards....
circa-2000s - Billy BowenBilly BowenWilliam 'Billy' Bowen was a Welsh dual code rugby player who played club rugby union for Swansea and rugby league for Leeds. Bowen was capped six times for Wales while playing under the union code.-Rugby career:...
circa-1920s - George BroughtonGeorge Broughton, JrGeorge Broughton, Jr is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club has played for Castleford, and Leeds, playing , i.e. number 2 or 5.-Challenge cup final appearances:George Broughton, Jr played Left-, i.e...
Junior circa-1950s - Jodie BroughtonJodie BroughtonJodie Broughton is a rugby league player for Salford City Reds in the European Super League. He plays as a centre or wing. He is the half-brother of former Leeds teammate Jamie Jones-Buchanan and is considered by many to be the fastest player in the competition. In 2011, Broughton was named...
- Archibald "Archie" BrownArchie Brown (rugby)Archibald "Archie" Brown was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s and '20s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Cross Keys RFC, Risca RFC, and Newport RFC, playing at Scrum-half, i.e...
- Gavin Brown circa-1990s
- Harold BuckHarold BuckHarold Buck was a British rugby league footballer. A winger, in November 1921, Buck became rugby league's first £1,000 player when transferred from Hunslet to Leeds. ....
circa-1920s - Danny BuderusDanny BuderusDanny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL...
- Luke BurgessLuke Burgess (rugby league)Luke Burgess is an English rugby league footballer currently playing for Australian NRL side South Sydney RabbitohsBorn in Wakefield, he played for the Leeds Rhinos having previously been on loan to Harlequins RL and Doncaster...
- Anthony "Tony" Burke circa-1980s
- John BurkeJohn Burke (rugby league)John Burke is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at club level has played for Leeds, Keighley, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , i.e. number 8 or 10.-Challenge Cup final appearances:...
- Christopher BurtonChristopher BurtonChristopher "Chris" Burton is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, Huddersfield, Hull Kingston Rovers, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
- Joe "Chimpy" BuschJoe BuschJoe 'Chimpy' Busch was an Australian rugby league footballer of the 1920s and 30s. A state and national representative halfback, his club career was played with Sydney based teams Eastern Suburbs and Balmain and UK team Leeds, in the 1930s...
circa-1930s - Tom BushTom BushTom Bush , is an English rugby league player for the York City Knights and formerly of the Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League competition, as well as a part-time plumber....
- Ikram ButtIkram ButtIkram Butt is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants, and London Broncos, playing at , i.e. 2 or 5....
- John "Dinny" CampbellJohn Campbell (rugby league)John Dennison 'Dinny' Campbell was a national representative for Australia in rugby union before switching codes and playing rugby league for the Eastern Suburbs club during the 1910-12 and 1921 seasons....
circa-1910s - Phil CantillonPhil CantillonPhil Cantillon is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He signed professionally for his home town club Wigan in 1992 and captained Great Britain Academy on the 1994 Australia Tour and in 1995, whilst appearing for the first team in the annual Wigan Sevens in 1994...
- Tonie CarrollTonie CarrollTonie Carroll is retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian and New Zealand international representative utility, he played for the Brisbane Broncos of the NRL...
circa-2000s - Aubrey CasewellAubrey CasewellJohn Aubrey Casewell was a Welsh professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at representative level played for Wales, and at club level for Salford, and Leeds....
- Leslie ChamberlainLeslie ChamberlainLeslie "Les" Chamberlain is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity, Bramley, Hull Kingston Rovers, and Leeds, playing at , , i.e...
- Joe ChandlerJoe ChandlerJoe Chandler born 11 February 1989 in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player for the Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He plays as a prop.He was the lead player of the Rhinos...
- Chris ChapmanChris ChapmanChris Chapman is a former rugby league player. He played for the Leeds Rhinos in European Super League and also Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams. He played as a centre or on the wing.-External links:**...
circa-1990s - Chris ClarksonChris ClarksonChris made his Super League debut for Leeds in the 10-17 defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers deputising for Ryan HallChris Clarkson was a new recruit for the Rhinos in 2006. A year later he became a regular in the Academy side and helped the Junior Academy side clinch the Championship when he was named...
- Geoffrey ClarksonGeoffrey ClarksonGeoffrey "Geoff" Clarkson was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s who at representative level played rugby union for Yorkshire, and at club level for Wakefield RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Yorkshire, and at...
- Malcolm CliftMalcolm CliftMalcolm Clift is an Australian former rugby league player and coach for the Canterbury Bulldogs and, briefly, Leeds Rhinos...
- Bradley ClydeBradley ClydeBradley Clyde is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s who, at the peak of his playing career was widely acknowledged as the best lock forward in the game....
circa-2000s - Michael CoadyMichael Coady (rugby league)Michael Coady is an English rugby league footballer for Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He plays at .He attended Bristol Grammar School and Loughborough University.-Career:...
- Craig ColemanCraig ColemanCraig Coleman is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. He primarily played at halfback and remains second on the list of most first-grade games played for Souths, 208....
- Wayne Collins circa-1990s
- Gary ConnollyGary ConnollyGary J. Connolly was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.Connolly was a dependable centre capable of...
- Mark ConwayMark ConwayMark Conway is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at club level has played for Stanley Rangers ARLFC, Leeds, Wakefield Trinity, and Dewsbury, playing at /, i.e. number 7, and occasionally /, i.e. number 6...
circa-1980s - Bert CookBert CookBert Cook is a New Zealander former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level has played rugby union for New Zealand Army, and at representative level has played rugby league for Other Nationalities, and at club level for Leeds,...
circa-1940s - Ronald "Ron" Cowan, for ScotlandScotland national rugby union teamThe Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
(RU)Rugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
while at Selkirk RFCSelkirk RFCSelkirk Rugby Football Club are a rugby union side based in Selkirk in the Borders, Scotland.They play in their home games at Philiphaugh, and are now in Premiership Division Two and the Border League ....
(RU)Rugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
1961-62 5-caps (signed for Leeds 1962-63) - Tony Currie
- John DaviesJohn Davies (rugby)David John Davies was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Neath RFC, playing at Flanker, i.e...
- Brett DelaneyBrett DelaneyBrett Delaney is an Australian Rugby League player for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He previously played for the Parramatta Eels & the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.-NRL career:...
- Kevin DickKevin DickKevin Dick was an English rugby league footballer. He was a / who played for Great Britain, Leeds and Hull.He made his Leeds debut in 1975 and helped the club win the Challenge Cup in 1977, scoring a try, two conversions, a penalty and a drop goal in the final against Widnes...
- Paul Dixon
- Scott DonaldScott DonaldScott Albert Donald is a retired Australian professional rugby league footballer and played for the Leeds Rhinos of the European Super League competition...
- Ewan DowesEwan DowesEwan Dowes is a rugby league footballer who plays for Hull. Dowes' usual position is .He attended Sedbergh School.Dowes signed for Hull in 2003 and won the 2005 Challenge Cup and played in the 2006 Super League XI Grand Final....
circa-2000s - Bill DrakeBill Drake (rugby league)William "Bill" D. Drake is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Hull, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
- Andrew DunemannAndrew DunemannAndrew Dunemann is a former coach of the Northern Pride a QRL club and is a former Australian National Rugby League player. He now works as the NYC coach of the Canberra Raiders...
circa-2000s - James "Jimmy" DunnJames Dunn (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Dunn is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at club level has played for Leeds.-Club career:Jimmy Dunn's début came against Bramley on 20 October 1951 at Barley Mow, Bramley.-External links:**...
circa-1940s
- Greg EastwoodGreg EastwoodGreg Eastwood is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. A New Zealand international representative lock or second row forward, he previously for the Brisbane Broncos, Bulldogs in the NRL and Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League...
- Graham EcclesGraham EcclesGraham Eccles is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s who at club has played for Leeds, and Wakefield Trinity, playing , i.e. number 11 or 12....
circa-1970s - Morvin EdwardsMorvin EdwardsMorvin Renata Tewhetu Aroha Edwards is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country. His position of preference was at .-Playing career:Edwards played for the Upper Hutt club and represented Wellington before moving to England....
- Andrew EttingshausenAndrew EttingshausenAndrew Ettingshausen is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He played his first grade Australian club football for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, retiring with the record of most games at a single club, with 328...
- Kenneth "Ken" Eyre circa-1960s
- Esene FaimaloEsene FaimaloEsene Faimalo is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:In 1985 Faimalo came second in the New Zealand boxing Heavyweight tournament and also made the Junior Kiwis while playing for the Linwood club...
circa-1990s - James "Jim" Fallon circa-1990s
- Vince FawcettVince FawcettVince Fawcett is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at club level has played for Leeds, Workington Town, Parramatta Eels, Oldham Bears, Warrington Wolves, and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, playing at , , i.e...
circa-1980s - Chris FeatherChris FeatherChris Feather in Keighley, West Yorkshire) is an English rugby league player. He is currently playing for Wyong Roos in the Tooheys Cup in Newcastle. He previously played for Villeneuve Leopards in the Elite One Championship and the Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls in Super League. His...
circa-2000s - Jamie FieldJamie FieldJamie Field is a former professional rugby league footballer who at club level played for Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , , or , i.e. number 11 or 12, 8 or 10, 13...
circa-1990s - Mike ForshawMike ForshawMichael "Mike" Forshaw is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He began his playing career with Wigan in 1987 and went on to play for Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Bulls & Warrington Wolves.He had a brief stint at Saracens F.C...
circa-1990s - Peter FoxPeter Fox (rugby league born 1984)Peter Fox is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for Hull Kingston Rovers of Super League. An England international representative er, Fox previously played for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and York City Knights.-International honours:...
- Nick FozzardNick FozzardNicholas Fozzard is an English rugby league footballer who is currently playing for Castleford Tigers of Super League.A , his previous clubs are St. Helens, Warrington, Huddersfield, Leeds and Hull KR, and has signed a 1-year deal with Castleford Tigers for the 2011 season.During his spell with St...
circa-1990s - Norman Francis circa-1980s
- Wally Fullerton SmithWally Fullerton SmithWally Fullerton Smith is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative back-rower, he played club football in Queensland, France, England and New South Wales.-Biography:The Redcliffe forward,...
- David FurnerDavid FurnerDavid Furner is an Australian professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Canberra Raiders of the NRL...
circa-2000s - John Anthony GallagherJohn Anthony GallagherJohn Anthony Gallagher is a former rugby union All Black. He was born in London.Gallagher was one of the first of a succession of All Blacks to switch codes to rugby league....
- Tommy GallagherTommy Gallagher (rugby league)Tommy Gallagher is a rugby league player who plays as a forward for Swinton. The forward has played prop and second-row, his favoured position being loose-forward but he usually plays at the more suitable position of prop forward....
- Andrew "Andy" Gascoigne circa-1986
- Anthony Gibbons circa-1990s
- Carl GibsonCarl GibsonCarl Gibson is an English former rugby league footballer, who represented Yorkshire in 1985/86 and Great Britain.Originally representing Batley, Gibson moved to Leeds for a fee of £50,000...
- Damian GibsonDamian GibsonDamian Gibson is an Australian born Rugby League footballer with Halifax. Damian attended Emmaus College, Rockhampton. He re-joined Halifax in November 2004 after being released by Castleford Tigers following their relegation from Super League and went on to score 15 tries in 30 appearances in...
circa-1990s - Marc GlanvilleMarc GlanvilleMarc Glanville is an Australian former rugby league player. He played for the St. George Dragons, Newcastle Knights and the Leeds Rhinos as a Loose-Forward/Lock....
circa-1990s - Richard GoddardRichard Goddard (rugby league)Richard Goddard is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Stanley Rangers, Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers, Leeds?, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e...
- Brad GoddenBrad GoddenBrad Godden is an Australian former rugby league footballer. He played for the Newcastle Knights, Hunter Mariners and the Leeds Rhinos as a centre, full-back and on the wing...
circa-1990s - Jason GoldenJason GoldenJason Golden is a professional rugby league player for Harlequins RL. He plays as a second row.-Leeds Rhinos:...
- Marvin GoldenMarvin GoldenMarvin Golden is an English former rugby league footballer.Marvin Golden's position of choice was as a centre.He played for Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos and Widnes Vikings in the European Super League...
circa-1990s - Andy GoodwayAndy GoodwayAndy I. Goodway is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played for Oldham , Wigan, and Leeds in the Rugby League Premiership and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the NSWRL competition. He played as a , or /...
- Andy GregoryAndy GregoryAndrew "Andy" Gregory is an English former rugby league footballer. A Great Britain international representative /, he is an inductee of the Wigan Hall of Fame...
- Eric Grothe, Sr.Eric Grothe, Sr.Eric "Guru" Grothe is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 1980s. A New South Wales and Australian representative winger, he played club football for the Parramatta Eels with whom he won four NSWRL premierships...
- Neil HagueNeil Hague (rugby league)Neil Hague is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at club has played for Leeds, playing , or , i.e. number 1, or, 3 or 4.-Rugby Football League Championship final appearances:...
circa-1970s - Michael HaleyMichael HaleyMichael Haley in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player who has played for the Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He plays as a prop. He is now with the Featherstone Rovers club after joining them in the winter of 2010 from Sheffield Eagles. On 20 February 2011 Haley...
- Carl Hall circa-1990s
- Zak HardakerZak HardakerZak Hardakeris a rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He can play on the wing, Full back, stand-off and has most recently started playing in the centres...
- Alan HardistyAlan HardistyAlan 'Chuck' Hardisty is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s, '60s and '70s and coach of the 1970s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Castleford, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
- Paul HarkinPaul HarkinPaul Harkin is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity, Bradford Northern , Leeds, Hull Kingston Rovers, Halifax, and Hunslet, playing at ,...
- Neil HarmonNeil HarmonNeil Harmon is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, '90s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Ireland, and at club level for Warrington, Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls, Salford City Reds, and Halifax....
circa-1990s - Eric C. HarrisEric Harris (rugby league)Eric C. 'Toowoomba Ghost' Harris is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at club level has played for Western Suburbs, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
(#2) circa-1932 - Phil HassanPhil HassanPhil Hassan is a professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who at club level has played for Leeds, Worcester , Salford City Reds, Halifax, Fylde , and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, playing at , or , i.e. number 3 or 4, or, 2 or 5....
circa-1990s - Andy HayAndy HayAndy Hay is a former rugby league player And Current Super League Assistant Coach.Andy Hay was an England international and played at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup Scoring 2 tries in consecutive games against Russia & Fiji respectively....
circa-2000s - Garry HemingwayGarry HemingwayGarry Hemingway was a rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at club level played rugby union for Old Thornensians, and at club level played rugby league for Leeds, playing , i.e. number 2 or 5.-Club career:...
circa-1950s - Jonny HepworthJonny HepworthJonny Hepworth is a rugby league and rugby union player. His usual position is at fly-half or centre....
circa-2000s - Cavill HeughCavill HeughCavill Heugh is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A prop forward, he played in the Brisbane Rugby League premiership for Easts, winning the Rothmans Medal with them in 1984. The following year he made his State of Origin debut for the Maroons from the...
- David Heselwood circa-1970s
- Vic HeyVic HeyVic Hey born Liverpool, New South Wales, was an Australian rugby league national and state representative five-eighth and later a successful first-grade and national coach. His Australian club playing career commenced with the Western Suburbs Magpies and concluded with the Parramatta Eels. In...
circa-1930s - Merv HicksMerv HicksMervyn J. Hicks is a Welsh former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s. He played rugby union club football in Wales for the Cross Keys RFC, rugby league club football in Britain for Doncaster, Warrington, St...
- Graham HolroydGraham HolroydGraham Holroyd is an English rugby league player who currently plays for Halifax as a stand off. He rejoined Halifax after a two year spell with Swinton...
circa-1990s - Alan HorsfallAlan HorsfallAlan Horsfall was a professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level played for Leeds, and Castleford playing at , i.e...
circa-1940s - Adam HughesAdam Hughes (rugby league)Adam Hughes is a professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who at representative level has played for Wales, and at club level for , Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Tykes , Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, Leigh Centurions, Oldham Roughyeds, and Barrow Raiders, playing at , or ,...
circa-1990s - Brian Hughes circa-1970s
- David HulmeDavid Hulme (rugby league)David Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, Leeds Rhinos, and Salford City Reds, playing at /, or /, i.e. number 6, or 7...
circa-1990s - Craig InnesCraig InnesCraig Innes is a New Zealand former rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 90s. After a successful rugby union career which saw him represent his country he switched to rugby league, playing in both England and Australia, winning the 1996 ARL Premiership, before playing out the...
circa-1990s
- David JamesDavid James (rugby)David Rees James was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Treorchy RFC, playing at Hooker, i.e. number 2, and at club level played rugby league for Leeds, playing at , i.e...
- William JamesWilliam James (rugby)William "Will" P. James was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Llanelli RFC, playing at Wing, i.e...
- David JenkinsDavid Jenkins (rugby)David "Dai" Jenkins was a Welsh dual-code international rugby footballer who played rugby union for Swansea and rugby league for Leeds RLFC, and representing internationally in both sports.-Rugby career:...
- David "Dai" Morgan JenkinsDavid Morgan JenkinsDavid "Dai" Morgan Jenkins was a Welsh dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s. As an amateur union player he represented Kenfig Hill, Treorchy, and Glamorgan Police RFC, while as a professional rugby league footballer he played for...
circa-1930s - Edgar JonesEdgar Jones (rugby)Edgar Lewis Jones was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Llanelli RFC, playing at Prop, i.e...
- Iorwerth JonesIorwerth JonesIorwerth Jones was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Llanelli RFC, playing at Number Eight, and at club level played rugby league for Leeds.-International Honours:Iorwerth...
- Johnny JonesJohnny Jones (rugby league)Johnny Jones is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s and 1940s who at club level has played for Leeds, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at /, i.e. number 6.-Challenge Cup final appearances:...
- Ben Jones-BishopBen Jones-BishopBen Jones-Bishop is an English professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. His usual position is at Full-Back, but he can also play on the Wing.-Playing career:...
- Ben KayeBen KayeBen Kaye is a rugby league player who plays for Featherstone Rovers. Kaye's usual position is hooker. He made a try scoring debut against Harlequins RL in March 2008 when playing for Leeds Rhinos...
circa-2000s - John "Jack" KellyJohn Kelly (rugby league)John "Jack" Kelly is an English former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s and '40s who at club level has played rugby union for , playing at Fullback, i.e. number 15, and at club level has played rugby league for Leeds, and St. Helens playing at , i.e...
1930s…40s - Andrew "Andy" KirkAndrew Kirk (rugby league)Andrew "Andy" Kirk is an English professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Leeds Rhinos, Salford City Reds, and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or .-External links:***...
circa-2000s - Ian KirkeIan KirkeIan Kirke is an English professional rugby league footballer for English club Leeds Rhinos of Super League. He made his Leeds debut on March 5, 2006 when Leeds played Castleford Tigers. During the close to season 2006 he had surgery on both his shoulders to fix a long term injury. Attended Hornsea...
- Bob LandersBob LandersBob Landers was a rugby league player in Australia’s New South Wales Rugby League competition for the Eastern Suburbs and the Penrith Panthers clubs.-Biography:...
- Ali LauitiitiAli LauitiitiAli Lauitiiti is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer for English club Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. Both a Samoa and New Zealand international representative forward, he previously played in the National Rugby League for the Warriors...
- Joseph LaveryJoseph LaveryJoseph Aloysius Lavery was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.-Rugby football:...
circa-1910s - Dean LawfordDean LawfordDean Lawford is a rugby league half back for Dewsbury Rams. He has played for Sheffield Eagles, Leeds Rhinos, Bramley Buffaloes, Huddersfield Giants, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, Dewsbury Celtic, and Batley Bulldogs....
circa-1990s - Jack Lendill circa-1950s
- Peter Lendill circa-1950s
- Kylie LeuluaiKylie LeuluaiKylie Leuluai is a professional rugby league footballer currently contracted to the Leeds Rhinos of Super League...
- Alan Lockwood circa-1960s
- James LowesJames LowesJames Lowes is a British former rugby league player and assistant coach for the Leeds Rhinos. He played for Hunslet Hawks and Leeds Rhinos, but his best years were with the Bradford Bulls, where he won many trophies...
circa-1980s - Cliff LyonsCliff LyonsCliff Lyons is an indigenous Australian former international-level rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s...
- Nathan McAvoyNathan McAvoyNathan McAvoy was a professional rugby league player for 15 years and is now a qualified PE teacher and currently teaching in Manchester.-Career:...
circa-2000s - Wayne McDonaldWayne McDonaldWayne McDonald is a former rugby league footballer, recently he played for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos in Australia. McDonald played over 175 games in the Super League in the 1990s and 2000s. He played club football for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Hull Sharks, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan...
circa-2000s - Wayne McDonaldWayne McDonaldWayne McDonald is a former rugby league footballer, recently he played for the Campbelltown City Kangaroos in Australia. McDonald played over 175 games in the Super League in the 1990s and 2000s. He played club football for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Hull Sharks, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan...
- Danny McGuireDanny McGuireDanny McGuire is an English professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. His preferred position is at /. He has played his entire career to date with the Rhinos, having come through the club's Academy....
- Graham MackayGraham MackayGraham Mackay is an Australian former national and state representative rugby league footballer whose club career spanned nine Australian and English clubs, including Western Suburbs, Penrith, Gold Coast Chargers and Hull F.C. in a fifteen year top grade career...
- Chris McKennaChris McKennaChris McKenna is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played for Queensland and Australia as well as club sides the Brisbane Broncos, South Queensland Crushers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. His usual position was second row, though while he played...
circa-2000s - Paul McShanePaul McShane (rugby league)Paul McShane is an English Rugby League Hooker, currently playing for Leeds Rhinos, in Super League.McShane was captain of Merlyn Rees High School team. He joined the Leeds Academy, from Hunslet Hawks in 2006...
- Dane ManningDane ManningDane Manning is a professional rugby league footballer who is currently on loan at Featherstone Rovers from Super League club Leeds Rhinos. A second-rower by trade, Manning has one first-grade appearance to his name from the 2009 season, in a round 21 24-14 victory at home against Hull...
- Martin MasellaMartin MasellaMartin Masella is a former rugby league player.Martin Masella was a Tonga international and played at the 1995 and captained his country in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup...
circa-1990s - Richard MathersRichard MathersRichard 'Richie' Mathers is an English rugby league footballerwho currently plays for the Castleford Tigers of Europe's Super League competition...
- Jamie MathiouJamie MathiouJamie Mathiou born in Queensland, Australia is a former rugby league player.While attending Kingscliff High School, Mathiou played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1989....
circa-1990s - Joe MbuJoe MbuJoe Mbu is a rugby league coach and former professional player. Mbu played for Harlequins Rugby League in the Super League. He is the current coach of the London Skolars.-Playing career:Joe Mbu's usual position was...
- Robbie MearsRobbie MearsRobert "Robbie" Mears is a former Australian rugby league player. His position of preference was at hooker.-Early years:While attending Campbelltown's St...
circa-2000s - Paul MedleyPaul MedleyPaul Medley was a player for the Bradford Bulls, a rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.-Career:He played 385 games and scored 149 tries in a career that lasted 15 years. He was one of the key players of the Bradford Bulls for 10 years and his playing career is...
circa-1980s - Gary MercerGary MercerGary Ivan Mercer is a New Zealand rugby league coach and former professional footballer. A New Zealand international representative player, he has spent most of his career in England both playing and coaching.-Playing career:...
circa-1990s - Shane MillardShane MillardShane Millard is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.During his career he played for Super League sides London Broncos, Widnes Vikings, Leeds Rhinos & Wigan Warriors as well as gaining recognition in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, Souths and St George...
circa-2000s - Sean Miller circa-1970s
- Jeff MooresJeff MooresJeff Moores is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at club level has played for Western Suburbs Magpies, Leeds, and York, playing at , /, i.e. number 3 or 4, or 6.-External links:******...
circa-1920s…30s - Ralph MorganRalph Morgan (rugby)D. Ralph Morgan was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level played rugby union for Machen RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Newport Police RFC, and Newport RFC, playing at Fullback, i.e. number 15, and at representative level has played rugby league...
- Steve MorrisSteve MorrisSteve Morris is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 80s. A state and national representative, his club career was played with the St. George Dragons and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters....
- Gareth MortonGareth MortonGareth Morton is a Scottish rugby league player. He is currently playing for the WA Reds in the Bundaberg Red Cup rugby league competition in Australia.He has previously played for Leeds Rhinos and England Youth teams....
circa-2000s - Brett MullinsBrett MullinsBrett Mullins is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and early 2000s. He played for the Canberra Raiders between the years 1990 and 2000. He also represented New South Wales and Australia national rugby league team during his career. He is the son of former...
circa-2000s - Brian Murrell circa-1970s
- Scott MurrellScott MurrellScott Murrell is a rugby league player for Hull Kingston Rovers.He spent the past four years as part of Leeds Rhinos is hailed for big things this season. Murrell is also a Great Britain Academy player and has toured Australia and is a former player of amateur side Drighlington ARLFC in West...
- Terrence "Terry" Naylor circa-1970s
- Jason NethertonJason NethertonJason Netherton is an English professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Hull KR in the Super League competition. His usual position is Second Row....
- John "Jack" Newbound circa-1940s
- Samuel "Sam" Newbound circa-1930s
- Mark O'Neill circa-2000s
- Frank O'RourkeFrank O'Rourke (rugby league)A. Frank O'Rourke is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at representative level has played for New South Wales, and City, and at club level for University of Sydney , and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
circa-1920s - Willie Oulton
- Daniel PascoeDaniel PascoeDaniel "Dan" Pascoe was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Bridgend RFC, playing at Flanker, i.e...
- Jamie PeacockJamie PeacockJames "Jamie" Peacock is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Leeds Rhinos of the European Super League...
- Nathan Picchi circa-1990s
- Stephen "Steve" Pitchford circa-1970s
- Jay PittsJay PittsJay Pitts is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Leeds Rhinos, playing at the back row....
- Willie PochingWillie PochingWillie Poching is a New Zealand professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the current coach of Samoa national team and assistant coach of English Super League club Warrington Wolves...
circa-2000s - Daryl PowellDaryl PowellDaryl A. Powell is an English rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach of Featherstone Rovers Rugby League football club. He is a former /for Keighley Cougars, Sheffield Eagles and Leeds Rhinos...
circa-1990s - William "Billy" PrattWilliam Pratt (rugby league)William "Billy" Pratt was a professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s who at club has played for Leeds, and Halifax, playing /, i.e. number 7.-Club career:...
circa-1950s - Paul PrendivillePaul PrendivillePaul Prendiville is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Hull, and Leeds, playing at , or , i.e...
- Bernard PriorBernard PriorBernard Prior is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, Hunslet, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , i.e. number 9, during the era of contested scrums. He has three grandchildren who...
circa-1950s - Michael RatuMichael RatuMichael Ratu is a professional rugby league player. His usual position is centre although he made his First Team debut on the wing as a substitute against Salford City Reds in August 2007.-Playing career:...
- Gareth RaynorGareth RaynorGareth Raynor is a rugby league player and former Great Britain international who previously played for the Crusaders and Hull in the Super League. and from his release from prison on 31 December 2010 he will be playing for the Bradford Bulls having signed a 1 year contract.- Early career:Raynor...
- Alan ReesAlan Rees (rugby)Alan Henry Morgan Rees is a former Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Maesteg RFCat Fly-half...
- Leroy RivettLeroy RivettLeroy Rivett is an English rugby league player who currently plays for the English National League Two side, Rochdale Hornets as a winger....
circa-1990s - Russell RobinsRussell RobinsRussell John Robins is a former Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level has played rugby union for British Lions, and Wales, and at club level for Pontypridd RFC, playing at Lock, Flanker, or Number eight, i.e...
- Kenneth "Ken" RollinKenneth RollinKenneth "Ken" Rollin is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s, who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity, and Leeds, playing at , or , i.e. number 6, or 7....
- Harold RoweHarold RoweHarold Francis Rowe was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.-Rugby Football:...
circa-1910s - Christopher "Chris" SandersonChristopher SandersonChristopher "Chris" Sanderson was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at club played for York Juniors, and Leeds, playing /, or /, i.e...
circa-1970s - Danny SculthorpeDanny SculthorpeDanny Sculthorpe is an English professional rugby league footballer. Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, he currently plays as a prop for Widnes Vikings....
- Brian ShawBrian Shaw (rugby league)Brian Shaw was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Hunslet, and Leeds, playing at , or , i.e...
- Ryan SheridanRyan SheridanRyan Sheridan is a former rugby league player.Sheridan was an Ireland international and played at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.Leeds Career :Ryan Sheridan was one of the most influential players in the late 1990s for the Rhinos...
circa-2000s - Trevor SkerrettTrevor SkerrettTrevor Skerrett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity, Hull, Leeds, and Keighley, playing at , or , i.e...
circa-1986 - Frederick SmithFrederick Smith (rugby league)Frederick "Fred" Smith was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level played for Yorkshire, and at club level for Leeds, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5....
- Andy SpeakAndy SpeakAndy Speak is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Stanley Rangers, Leeds Rhinos, Sheffield Eagles, Halifax, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury Rams, Doncaster, and Batley Bulldogs, playing at , i.e. number 9.-External links:***...
circa-1990s - Gary Spencer circa-1980s
- Alan TaitAlan TaitAlan V. Tait is a Scottish rugby footballer and coach. He is currently head coach at Newcastle Falcons and a former rugby league and rugby union footballer who played outside centre for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions...
circa-1990s - Jordan TanseyJordan TanseyJordan Tansey is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Crusaders in the Super League . He was contracted to Hull FC in the Super League until February 2011...
circa-2000s - Jamie ThackrayJamie ThackrayJamie Thackray is an English rugby league footballer for the Limoux Grizzlies in the Elite One Championship. A former Great Britain international, Thackray has played for several teams over his career. He plays as a ....
circa-2000s - Ken Thornett circa-1960s
- Clinton ToopiClinton ToopiClinton Toopi is a professional rugby footballer who is currently playing for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. His usual position is centre.-Playing career:...
circa-2000s - David TootillDavid TootillDavid Tootill is an English rugby league player. Tootill plays for Harlequins RL in the European Super League. He was previously with the Leeds Rhinos....
- Peter TunksPeter TunksPeter Tunks is an Australian former rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, New South Wales and the Australian national side...
- Alex Turpin circa-2000s
- Adrian VowlesAdrian VowlesAdrian Vowles is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played in Australia for several years, gaining State of Origin selection in 1994, but spent the majority of his career in the European Super League...
circa-2000s - Anthony "Tony" Wainwright (#6) circa-1970 http://www.rugbyleague.org/features/content.php?feat_id=292&featcat_id=32
- Ben WalkerBen WalkerBen Walker is an absolute Legend and Australian rugby league coach and former footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
- Joe WalshJoe Walsh (rugby league)Joe Walsh is a professional rugby league player.He was born in Saddleworth, Oldham, Greater Manchester, and is a former Rishworth school pupil....
- Shaun WaneShaun WaneShaun D. Wane is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and current coach at Wigan Warriors. He played at representative level for Great Britain, and at club level for Wigan St Patricks, Wigan, Leeds, and Workington Town, playing at , /, i.e...
- Danny WardDanny WardFor the footballer currently playing for Huddersfield Town, see Danny Ward Danny Ward is an English professional rugby league footballer for Harlequins RL in Europe's Super League. His usual position is as at Prop-forward...
circa-2000s - Dennis WarriorDennis WarriorDennis Warrior is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level has played for Leeds, and Bramley playing at , i.e. number 3 or 4.-Club career:Dennis Warrior's career at Leeds was interrupted by World War II...
circa-1940s - Kallum WatkinsKallum WatkinsKallum Watkins is an English professional Rugby League player for the Leeds Rhinos. He can play as a centre, a winger or a fullback.Watkins began his career in the Salford City Reds Junior Academy, before signing for the Leeds Rhinos in 2007, after impressing during a trial.In his first season in...
- Frank WatsonFrank Watson (rugby league)Frank 'Shanks' Watson is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level has played for Hunslet, and Leeds playing at /, i.e. number 7.-External links:**...
circa-1940s - Brent WebbBrent WebbBrent Webb is an Australian-born New Zealand rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Leeds in the Super League. Webb plays as a full-back and is a former New Zealand international.-Early years:...
- Evan WilliamsEvan Williams (rugby)Evan Williams was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s who at representative level played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Aberavon RFC, playing at Centre, i.e...
circa-1920s - Arthur WoodArthur Wood (rugby league)Arthur Wood is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s who at representative level has played for England, and Rugby League XIII, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
(#9) circa-1954 http://www.totalrl.com/onthisday/index.php?feat_id=279 - Simon WorrallSimon WorrallSimon Worrall is an English rugby league footballer for Toulouse Olympique in the Co-operative Championship he previsouly played for Leeds Rhinos and rugby union for Leeds Carnegie.His usual position is second row or at loose-forward....
- David "Dave" WrenchDavid WrenchDavid Wrench is a singer, musician and studio producer/ sound engineer from Anglesey, Wales. His music has ranged from camp synth pop to Doom inspired Folk....
circa-1990s - Thomas WrightThomas Wright (rugby)Thomas Wright is a former Scottish rugby union and rugby league player.-Rugby league:Wright transferred to Leeds in 1948-49.He later played for the Scotland national rugby league team.-References:...
, for ScotlandScotland national rugby union teamThe Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
(RU)Rugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
while at Hawick RFCHawick RFCHawick Rugby Football Club is a semi-professional rugby union side, currently playing in the Premiership Division One and Border League. The team are based at Mansfield Park at Hawick in the Scottish Borders....
(RU)Rugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
1947 1-cap (signed for Leeds 1948-49) - Dai YoungDai YoungDavid "Dai" Young is a Welsh former rugby union and rugby league player, presently Director of Rugby at London Wasps.Born in Aberdare in 1967, Young lived in Penywaun for many years, and was regularly seen training with his father on the local sports field, now occupied by the Welsh-language...
Coaching set-up
| Nationality | Staff Name | |Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Brian McDermott Brian McDermott Brian G. McDermott is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He started as Head Coach of Harlequins RL of Super League on 8 July 2006 and departs on 4 September 2010.-Biography:... |
Head Coach Head coach A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches... |
|
| |
Barrie McDermott Barrie McDermott Barrie McDermott is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Great Britain international representative , he played his club football at Oldham, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos , Bramley and Widnes.McDermott later became the Head of Youth Development with... |
Head of Youth Development | |
| |
Billy Watts | Time-Keeper | |
| |
Jason Davidson | Head Conditioner | |
 |
Meirion Jones | Head Physiotherapist | |
| |
Rob Wilson | Masseur |
Notable supporters
- Wayne RooneyWayne RooneyWayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
(footballer) - Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom on Harry PotterHarry PotterHarry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry...
) - Sean BeanSean BeanShaun Mark "Sean" Bean is an English film and stage actor. Bean is best known for playing Boromir in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and, previously, British Colonel Richard Sharpe in the ITV television series Sharpe...
(SharpeSharpe (TV series)Sharpe is a British series of television dramas starring Sean Bean about Richard Sharpe, a fictional British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe is the hero of a number of novels by Bernard Cornwell; most, though not all, of the episodes are based on the books...
) - Gordon StrachanGordon StrachanGordon David Strachan OBE is a Scottish football manager and former player. He is currently without a club, having last managed Middlesbrough. Strachan played for Dundee, Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as the Scotland national team. Prior to Middlesbrough,...
(Footballer) - Kelvin FletcherKelvin FletcherKelvin Warren Fletcher is an English actor and model who has played Andy Sugden in the long-running television soap opera Emmerdale since 1996....
(Actor) - Harry GrationHarry GrationHarry Gration is a television presenter based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. He is one of the main presenters for the BBC Yorkshire regional magazine programme Look North.-Early life:...
(News Reader) - Kevin WhatelyKevin WhatelyKevin Whately is an English actor.Whately is known for his starring role as Neville Hope in the British television comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, his role as Dr Jack Kerruish in the drama series Peak Practice, and as Robert "Robbie" Lewis in the crime dramas Inspector Morse and...
(Actor) - Angela GriffinAngela GriffinAngela Griffin is a British actress and television presenter.-Acting career:She appeared in the popular long-running British soap operas Emmerdale and most famously in Coronation Street as Fiona Middleton from 1993 to 1998...
(Actress) - Matthew HoggardMatthew HoggardMatthew James Hoggard MBE is an English cricketer. The 6' 2" Hoggard is a right arm fast-medium bowler and right-handed batsman. He played international cricket for England cricket team from 2000-2008, playing both Test cricket and One Day International cricket. He is currently the captain of...
(Cricket) - Barry SimmonsBarry SimmonsBarry Simmons was the winner of the BBC Two show Are You an Egghead? and as a result became the sixth Egghead, joining Kevin Ashman, C. J...
(TV) - Russell CroweRussell CroweRussell Ira Crowe is a New Zealander Australian actor , film producer and musician. He came to international attention for his role as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, a...
(Actor) - Chris MoylesChris MoylesChristopher David Moyles is an English radio and television presenter and author, who currently presents The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 and Chris Moyles' Quiz Night on Channel 4....
(Radio) - Vic ReevesVic ReevesJames Roderick Moir , better known by the stage name Vic Reeves, is an English comedian, best known for his double act with Bob Mortimer . He is known for his surreal and non sequitur sense of humour....
(Comedian) - Gabby LoganGabby LoganGabby Logan is a television presenter and radio presenter, as well as a former Wales international gymnast. She currently hosts programmes for BBC Sport, mainly focusing on football.- Early life :...
- George RileyGeorge RileyGeorge Riley was a Canadian merchant and Liberal politician.Born in St. Catharines, Canada West, the son of P. Riley, he was educated there and in Buffalo, New York. In 1885, Riley moved to British Columbia, becoming a merchant in Victoria. He married Mary N...
- Chris HollinsChris HollinsChris Hollins is an English journalist, presenter and sportsman, currently employed by the BBC and best known for being the sports correspondent for BBC Breakfast, and for winning Strictly Come Dancing 2009.-Early life:...
- Sue BarkerSue BarkerSusan Barker, MBE is an English television presenter and former professional tennis player. During her tennis career, she won the women's singles title at the French Open and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 3...
- Tim HenmanTim HenmanTimothy Henry "Tim" Henman OBE is a retired English professional tennis player and former British Number One. Henman played a serve-and-volley style of tennis that suited the grass courts of Wimbledon. He was the first player from the United Kingdom since Roger Taylor in the 1970s to reach the...
- Boris BeckerBoris BeckerBoris Franz Becker is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from Germany. He is a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and the youngest-ever winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon at the age of 17...
- Danyl Johnson
- Nicky CampbellNicky CampbellNicholas Andrew Argyll "Nicky" Campbell is a Scottish radio and television presenter and journalist. He is known for his time presenting on programmes such as the consumer affairs programme Watchdog...