Leeds Rhinos facts for kids
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Club information | ||||
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Full name | Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Football Club | |||
Nickname(s) | The Rhinos The Loiners |
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Colours | Blue and Amber | |||
Founded | 1870 (as Leeds St John's) |
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Current details | ||||
Ground(s) |
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Chairman | Paul Caddick | |||
Coach | Brad Arthur | |||
Captain | Cameron Smith and Ash Handley | |||
Competition | Super League | |||
2024 season | 8th | |||
Uniforms | ||||
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Records | ||||
Championships | 11 (1961, 1969, 1972, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017) | |||
Challenge Cups | 14 (1910, 1923, 1932, 1936, 1941, 1942, 1957, 1968, 1977, 1978, 1999, 2014, 2015, 2020) | |||
World Club Challenges | 3 (2005, 2008, 2012) | |||
Other honours | 37 | |||
Most capped | 625 - ![]() |
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Highest points scorer | 3,967 - ![]() |
The Leeds Rhinos are a professional rugby league club from Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. They play their home games at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium. The team competes in the Super League, which is the top rugby league competition in Britain.
The Leeds Rhinos have won many important titles. They have won the League Championship 11 times, the Challenge Cup 14 times, and the World Club Challenge three times. They have strong rivalries with other West Yorkshire teams like the Huddersfield Giants and Bradford Bulls. The Rhinos' traditional home colours are blue and amber shirts with white shorts and blue socks.
Contents
- Club History
- Team Colours and Badge
- Home Stadium
- Kit Sponsors and Manufacturers
- Team Mascot
- Team Rivalries
- Current Squad (2025)
- Player Transfers (2025)
- Team Players and Awards
- Club Staff
- Team Honours
- Club Records
- Famous Supporters
- Other Teams at Leeds Rhinos
- See also
Club History
How the Rhinos Started: 1870–1895
The Leeds Rhinos club began in 1870 as "Leeds St John's." They were also known as the "Old Blue and Ambers." At first, only church members could join, but soon anyone could. They played at the Militia Barracks before moving to Cardigan Fields in Leeds.
In 1887, Leeds St John's played in their first cup final, the Yorkshire Cup, but lost to Wakefield Trinity. In 1888, a group of Leeds citizens bought land to create a major sports club. This land became what is now Headingley Stadium.
Leeds St John's played their last season under that name in 1889–90. The next season, they became the football part of Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletic Co Ltd. Their first game at Headingley Stadium was on September 20, 1890.
Joining the Northern Union: 1895–1920
In 1895, Leeds decided to join the new Northern Union, which was a big change for rugby. Leeds played their first Northern Union game on September 7, 1895, winning 6–3 against Leigh.
In 1901, the Leeds Parish Church team stopped playing and their players joined Leeds. Leeds then joined the new Northern Rugby League in 1902 and quickly moved up to the top division.
In 1910, Leeds won their first major trophy, the Challenge Cup. They beat Hull F.C. in a replay after the first game was a draw. The final score was 26–12.
During the First World War, many players went to fight. The regular league games were stopped. Leeds played in an "Emergency League" and even played some rugby union games. In 1915, Leeds reached the Championship final but lost to Huddersfield.
Between the Wars: 1921–1942
In 1921, Harold Buck became the first rugby player to be transferred for £1,000 when he moved to Leeds from Hunslet.
In 1934, Leeds and Wakefield Trinity played in the Yorkshire Cup final. It took three games to decide the winner, with Leeds finally winning the trophy. Over 52,000 fans watched these three games!
In 1937, Leeds paid a record £1,400 to sign Vic Hey from Australia. This was such a big deal that the rugby league stopped international transfers for a few years.
In 1938, Leeds played against their neighbours Hunslet in the Championship final. The game was held at Elland Road football ground, and over 54,000 people watched, which was a record for a rugby league match in England at the time. Hunslet won the game 8–2.
Leeds won the Challenge Cup twice in a row in 1941 and 1942, beating Halifax both times.
After World War II: 1950–1960
After the Second World War, Leeds struggled to win big trophies for a while. However, in 1957, they won their first Challenge Cup since the war. This showed that a strong young team was starting to form.
In 1960, the team, known as "the Loiners," started to become a dominant force. They signed new players and were crowned Champions for the first time in 1961. They beat Warrington 25–10 in the Championship Final.
Championship Success: 1960–1980
In the late 1960s, Leeds often finished at the top of the league. In 1968, they played in a very famous Challenge Cup final at Wembley, known as the "watersplash final" because of heavy rain. Leeds won 11–10 in a dramatic finish.
The Championship trophy returned to Headingley in 1969 after a tough final against Castleford. In 1970, Leeds lost the Championship final to St. Helens, but they beat St Helens later that year in the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy.
Leeds reached the Wembley final again in 1971 and 1972 but lost both times. However, they won their third Championship title in 1972. They also won the Regal Trophy in 1973 and the Premiership in 1975. They won the Yorkshire Cup seven times between 1969 and 1980.
In 1977, Leeds won the Challenge Cup. They repeated this success in 1978, making a record comeback from 10–0 down to beat St Helens at Wembley. They also won another Premiership in 1979. After these wins, the team went through a quieter period in the 1980s.
The "Nearly Men" Era: 1980–1996
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Leeds didn't win many major trophies. Their main wins were the 1984 John Player Trophy and the Yorkshire County Cup in 1980 and 1988. They reached several finals but often ended up as runners-up.
Leeds returned to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 1994 and 1995, both times playing against Wigan. Unfortunately, Wigan won both matches.
The Super League Era Begins: 1996–2003
In 1996, the top British rugby league clubs started playing in the new Super League competition, changing from a winter to a summer season. In 1997, the club changed its name to Leeds Rhinos.
In 1998, the Rhinos reached the first-ever Grand Final at Old Trafford, but they were beaten by Wigan. In 1999, Leeds finally won their first trophy in a decade, the Challenge Cup, beating London 52–16 at Wembley.
In 2000, Leeds reached the Challenge Cup Final again but lost to Bradford. In 2003, Leeds reached the Challenge Cup final once more, but Bradford beat them 22–20.
The Golden Era: 2004–2017
The Rhinos ended their 32-year wait for a league championship by winning the 2004 Super League Grand Final. This started a very successful period for the club. As champions, Leeds played in the 2005 World Club Challenge and beat the Australian champions, Canterbury Bulldogs.
Leeds won the Grand Final in 2007. More success followed in 2008 when Leeds beat another Australian team, Melbourne Storm, in the 2008 World Club Challenge. Leeds then won the Super League championship again in the Grand Final, becoming champions two years in a row. They made history in 2009 by winning a third consecutive league title in the 2009 Super League Grand Final.
After not winning a trophy in 2010, Leeds had a mixed start to the 2011 season. However, they made it to the play-offs and went on to win the 2011 Super League Grand Final. They reached the Challenge Cup Final in 2012 but were runners-up. The Rhinos successfully defended their Super League title by winning the 2012 Super League Grand Final.
In 2013, Leeds didn't win any trophies. However, in 2014, they finally won the Challenge Cup again after a long wait, beating Castleford Tigers at Wembley.
Winning the Treble in 2015
Leeds had an amazing season in 2015. They won the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders Shield (for finishing top of the league), and the Grand Final. This meant they won the "treble," a rare achievement in rugby league. They were only the third team in the Super League era to do this.
After their best-ever season in 2015, Leeds struggled in 2016. They had to fight to stay in the Super League, but they managed to do so. The next season, 2017, was a return to form. They finished second in the league and then beat Castleford 24–6 in the Grand Final, winning their 11th league title.
Recent Years: 2018–Present
After their success in 2017, 2018 was another tough year for the club. They finished 9th in the league and just avoided relegation.
For the 2019 season, former player David Furner became head coach. After a difficult start, he was replaced by Richard Agar. Agar helped the club stay in the Super League and was given the job permanently.
The 2020 Super League season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Leeds reached their first Challenge Cup final in five years and beat Salford 17–16. This was their first major trophy since the "Golden Era."
In the 2021 Super League season, Leeds finished 5th and made it to the play-offs. They beat Wigan but then lost to St Helens in the semi-final.
Leeds had a difficult start to the 2022 Super League season, winning only one of their first ten games. Coach Richard Agar resigned and was replaced by Rohan Smith. Under Smith, Leeds improved greatly, winning 13 of their next 18 games. They reached the 2022 Super League Grand Final after beating Catalans Dragons and Wigan in the play-offs. In the Grand Final, Leeds lost 24–12 to St Helens RFC.
In the 2023 Super League season, Leeds finished 8th and did not make the play-offs. They also had some big losses, including 61–0 against Catalans Dragons and 50–0 against Wigan. Leeds finished the 2024 Super League season in the same position. Rohan Smith stepped down as head coach and Brad Arthur took over.
Team Colours and Badge
Team Colours
Leeds plays in their traditional home colours of blue and amber. Their home kits are usually blue with an amber band across the chest and on the arms. Between 2011 and 2013, Leeds wore pink away kits to help raise money for breast cancer charities.
Team Badge
Before 1996, when the Super League started, Leeds was known as Leeds RLFC or Leeds Loiners. They used the city's crest on their kits. In 1996, when they became the Leeds Rhinos, they got a new badge. The new badge is mostly blue and features a rhino, with the word "Rhino" above it and "Leeds" at the top.
Home Stadium
Leeds has played at Headingley since 1890. The club owns the rugby ground, which is next to the cricket ground used by Yorkshire County Cricket Club. The North Stand of the rugby ground is right next to the cricket ground.
The Carnegie Stand was built in 2006, increasing the stadium's capacity to 21,000. Between 2017 and 2019, the stadium was greatly improved. The South and North Stands were rebuilt with modern designs. The new North Stand has a large corporate area that looks over both the rugby and cricket pitches.
Kit Sponsors and Manufacturers
Leeds has had several shirt sponsors over the years. In 1994, they signed a big 10-year deal with Tetley's Brewery. The Rhinos' current main shirt sponsors, Leeds Building Society, have been with the club for a long time. In 2023, they extended their sponsorship, making it the longest shirt sponsorship deal for any English rugby team. Since 2020, the club's kits have been made by the UK company Oxen.
Years | Kit Manufacturer | Main Shirt Sponsor |
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1968–1981 | Umbro | none |
1981–1990 | Younger's | |
1990–1994 | Carling | |
1994–1995 | Ellgren | Tetley's |
1995–2003 | Asics | |
2004–2006 | Patrick | |
2007 | Leeds Building Society | |
2008–2020 | ISC | |
2021–2026 | Oxen |
Team Mascot
Ronnie the Rhino is the fun mascot of the Leeds Rhinos. He helps get the crowd excited before matches and at half-time. Ronnie often plays games with children. He also visits schools as part of the Leeds Rhinos Community project, teaching kids about sports and healthy living.
Team Rivalries
In the early Super League years, Leeds' main rivals were the Bradford Bulls. They played each other in two Grand Finals, with Leeds winning in 2004. However, the Bulls now play in lower leagues, so they don't play competitive games often. Leeds also has a rivalry with Hunslet, another team from Leeds. They play annually for the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Cup. A record 54,112 fans watched Leeds and Hunslet play in the 1938 Championship Final.
Leeds also has West Yorkshire rivalries with the Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity. They play Wakefield every Boxing Day in a special match called the Festive Challenge.
Since the Super League started, Leeds has had a big rivalry with St. Helens. These two teams have been the most successful in the Super League era. Leeds also has rivalries with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, often playing them in important cup and Grand Finals.
Current Squad (2025)
First team squad | Coaching staff | ||||||||
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Head coach Assistant coaches
Updated: 1 November 2022 |
Player Transfers (2025)
Players Joining the Team
Player | From | Contract | Date |
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1 year | 22 April 2024 |
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2 years | 7 October 2024 |
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2 years | 7 October 2024 |
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9 October 2024 | |
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3 years | 26 October 2024 |
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1 year | 10 February 2025 |
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1.5 years | 8 April 2025 |
Players Leaving the Team
Players on Loan
Player | To | Contract | Date |
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1 season - loan | 8 April 2025 |
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1 month - loan | 18 June 2025 |
Players Released
Player | Date |
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5 September 2024 |
Team Players and Awards
Harry Sunderland Trophy Winners
The Harry Sunderland Trophy is given to the best player in the Super League Grand Final.
Season | Recipient |
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1968–69 | ![]() |
1971–72 | ![]() |
1974–75 | ![]() |
1978–79 | ![]() |
2004 | ![]() |
2007 | ![]() |
2008 | ![]() |
2009 | ![]() |
2011 | ![]() |
2012 | ![]() |
2015 | ![]() |
2017 | ![]() |
Lance Todd Trophy Winners
The Lance Todd Trophy is given to the best player in the Challenge Cup Final.
Season | Recipient | Position |
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1957 | ![]() |
Scrum-half |
1977 | ![]() |
Prop |
1999 | ![]() |
Wing |
2003 | ![]() |
Fullback |
2005 | ![]() |
Loose forward |
2014 | ![]() |
Wing |
2015 | ![]() |
Wing |
2020 | ![]() |
Fullback |
† = Won Lance Todd Trophy while on the losing team
Man of Steel Winners
The Man of Steel Award is given each year to the most outstanding player in British rugby league.
Year | Winner | Position |
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1977 | ![]() |
Hooker |
1991 | ![]() |
Stand-off |
1998 | ![]() |
Stand-off |
2015 | ![]() |
Full-Back |
Golden Boot Winners
The Golden Boot Award is given to the player judged to be the best in the world each year.
Year | Winner |
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1990 | ![]() |
2012 | ![]() |
Hall of Fame
The Rhinos started a hall of fame in 2017 to honour their best players. To be included, players usually need to have:
- Played at least 150 games for the club.
- Made a special contribution to rugby in Leeds.
- Played for their country.
- Been retired for at least five years.
Year | Name | Years | Apps | Tries | Goals | Points |
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2017 | ![]() |
1951–1958 | 215 | 69 | 5 | 217 |
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1952–1964 | 385 | 144 | 1244 | 2920 | |
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1968–1990 | 625 | 153 | 539 | 1554 | |
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1971–1986 | 482 | 40 | 2 | 143 | |
2018 | ![]() |
1923–1933 | 390 | 53 | 862 | 1883 |
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1966–1970 | 164 | 611 | |||
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1952–1959 | 228 | 67 | |||
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1987–1996 | 251 | 147 | 64 | 746 | |
2019 | ![]() |
1996–2005 | 283 | 40 | 0 | 160 |
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1930–1939 | 383 | 391 | 16 | 1208 | |
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1965–1975 | 366 | 158 | 156 | 850 | |
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1966–1982 | 518 | 340 | 0 | 1020 | |
2020 | ![]() |
1947–1954 | 238 | 74 | 0 | 222 |
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1902–1920 | 543 | 76 | 4 | 236 | |
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1970–1985 | 434 | 193 | 11 | 604 | |
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2004–2017 | 493 | 198 | 157 | 1111 | |
2021 | ![]() |
1925–1944 | 442 | 34 | 82 | 266 |
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1956–64 | 296 | 63 | 189 | ||
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1962–1983 | 469 | 283 | 849 | ||
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1997–2015 | 521 | 86 | 1792 + 39 drop goals | 3967 |
Club Staff
First Team Coaching Staff
Club Officials
- Chairman: Paul Caddick
- Chief Executive: Gary Hetherington
- Commercial Director: Rob Oates
- Finance Director: Peter Hirst
- Legal Director: Chris Ross
- Non-Executive Director: Jeffery Walton
- Club President: Andrew Thirkill
Team Honours
League Titles
- First Division / Super League Winners (11): 1960–61, 1968–69, 1971–72, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017
- Premiership Winners (2): 1974–75, 1978–79
- Yorkshire League Winners (15): 1901–02, 1927–28, 1930–31, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1936–37, 1937–38, 1950–51, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1960–61, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70
Cup Wins
- Challenge Cup Winners (14): 1909–10, 1922–23, 1931–32, 1935–36, 1940–41, 1941–42, 1956–57, 1967–68, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1999, 2014, 2015, 2020
- League Cup Winners (2): 1972–73, 1983–84
- BBC2 Floodlit Trophy Winners (1): 1970–71
- Yorkshire Cup Winners (17): 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
International Titles
- World Club Challenge Winners (3): 2005, 2008, 2012
Club Records
Team Records
- Biggest win: 102-0 against Coventry at Headingley in 1913.
- Biggest loss: 74-0 against New Zealand at Headingley on October 8, 2022.
- Highest all-time attendance: 40,175 against Bradford at Headingley on May 21, 1947.
- Highest Super League attendance: 23,246 against Castleford at Elland Road on March 23, 2018.
Player Records
Most appearances for the club
# | Name | Career | Games Played |
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1 | John Holmes | 1968–1989 | 625 |
2 | Fred Webster | 1902–1920 | 543 |
3 | Kevin Sinfield | 1997–2015 | 521 |
4 | John Atkinson | 1965–1982 | 518 |
5 | Rob Burrow | 2001–2017 | 492 |
6 | David Ward | 1971–1987 | 482 |
7 | Alan Smith | 1962–1983 | 479 |
8 | Danny McGuire | 2001–2017 | 468 |
9 | Jim Brough | 1925–1944 | 442 |
10 | Ray Batten | 1963–1976 | 434 |
Famous Supporters
Many famous people support the Leeds Rhinos, including:
- Actors: Matthew Lewis, Sean Bean
- Presenters: Gabby Logan, Chris Hollins, Sue Barker, Clare Balding
- Athletes: Wayne Rooney, Tim Henman, Boris Becker, Alistair Brownlee, Jonathan Brownlee, Jonny Bairstow, Peter Wright, Jon Wilkin
- Other: Danyl Johnson, Nicky Campbell, Sean Morley (wrestler), Martin O'Neill, Steve Walford, Alex Brooker, Ben Darwin
Other Teams at Leeds Rhinos
Since 2017, Leeds Rhinos has also had a women's rugby league team and a netball team. Both teams play in the top leagues for their sports.
Since 2018, they have also started teams for players with physical disabilities and learning disabilities. They also have a wheelchair rugby team that plays in the RFL Wheelchair Super League.
See also
In Spanish: Leeds Rhinos para niños