Leeds Rhinos Foundation has now opened registrations for any players interested in taking part in the Under 14’s, 15’s, 16’s, 17’s and 18’s North vs South Player Development Series this summer.
In 2022, the official charity of Leeds Rhinos, in partnership with Hunslet RLFC, launched the pioneering Rugby League development programme for players not connected to a professional club scholarship or academy, who are looking to take their next steps towards furthering their rugby league careers and showcasing their talents.
The series will provide player development opportunities to local players participating in community or school rugby across the city, splitting into two teams representing the age old rivalry of the North/South Leeds divide in relation to the River Aire.
Over the years, we have seen a number of players from the programme progress up the player pathway including the England Community Lions, Leeds Rhinos Scholarship and Leeds Rhinos Development Academy in partnership with Leeds City College.
This exciting six-week development programme will be fully aligned to the Rhinos Talent Pathway with opportunities for progression, providing a unique chance for the stars of tomorrow to experience training in a professional environment and play two competitive fixtures in top class venues.
North will train on Wednesday nights at Leeds West Academy.
South will train on Thursday nights at South Leeds Stadium.
Launch Nights:
- 20th July @ Leeds Beckett University (North u14’s, u15’s, u16/18’s)
- 21st July @ Leeds Beckett University (South u14’s, u15’s, u16/18’s)
North Training @ Leeds West Academy – All Sessions in the evening time TBC
- Wednesday 22nd July
- Wednesday 29th July
- Wednesday 5th August
- Wednesday 12th August
- Wednesday 19th August
South Training @South Leeds Stadium – All Sessions in the evening time TBC
- Thursday 23rd July
- Thursday 30th July
- Thursday 6th August
- Wednesday 12th August
- Thursday 20th August
Fixtures: All KO times TBC
- Sunday 9th August @ South Leeds Stadium – u16/18’s
- Saturday 15th August @ South Leeds Stadium – u14’s & u15’s
- Tuesday 25th August @ Stanningley ARLFC – u14’s
- Wednesday 26th August @ Stanningley ARLFC – 16/18’s
- Thursday 27th August @ Stanningley ARLFC – U15’S
Presentation event @ AMT Headingley Stadium
5th September, Pre match to Leeds Rhinos V Wigan Warriors game – Times TBC
NORTH V SOUTH HUBS
Under 12s (Year 7), Under 13s (Year 8)
Rugby League Development Programme, that includes 3 training sessions and a playing festival.
You will be sent further information via email once the registration closes.
Further information will include whether the player will represent either North or South.
*Due to logistics & sign up numbers you maybe allocated a different hub, we will try to accommodate everyone to the best of our ability
North Training @ Drighlington ARLFC
U12’s – 1:30pm – 2:30pm
U13’s – 2:30pm – 3:30pm
South Training @ Oulton ARLFC
U12’s – 10am – 11am
U13’s – 11am – 12pm
Playing Festival, 13th August @ Stanningley ARLFC
U12’s 9:30am – 12pm
U13’s 1pm – 3:30pm
Presentation event, 13th August @ AMT Headingley Stadium
Prematch before the Leeds Rhinos V Leigh Game
REGISTRATION PROCESS
The following criteria must be met for any players wishing to enroll on the North vs South Player Development Series for 2026:
- Under 14s – Year 9 students
- Under 15s – Year 10 students
- Under 16s – Year 11 students
- Under 17s – Year 12 students
- Under 18s – Year 13 students
- All players must have a Leeds home postcode or be registered with a Leeds-based community club
- Players must not currently be on Scholarship or Academy terms with a professional club
Teams will be provided with a North Leeds or South Leeds playing shirt, with players wearing their club or school team’s shorts and socks ‘barbarian style’ to celebrate the community game.
To register, please click one of the links below:
Please note, a nonrefundable registration donation of £30 is required to book onto the programme. This cost includes a match day polo and running costs towards the programme.
Players of under 14’s age group who are offered a place on a scholarship programme will not be able to participate in the North v South Development programme. In instances of players registering on the programme and then being offered a scholarship place then a refund will be provided. This is the only instance when deposit refunds will be made.
Please note players are still able to participate in the programme if family holidays are booked within the dates outlined.
For any questions or queries regarding North vs South please contact via email: Craig.shepherd@leedsrhinosfoundation.org