As part of Leeds Rugby Foundation’s (LRF) Three Year Rugby League Development Plan for Leeds, sponsored by Mears, LRF hosted a special intercity Rugby League match at Leeds Rhinos Training Ground as a Leeds Schools team defeated a Castleford & Wakefield Schools side 36-16.
This was the first time in numerous years an intercity game has taken place at U13 level. The youngsters got the unique chance to step foot on the Rhinos training ground in which so many stars of the current and past era have graced.
Many of the Rhinos first team squad have progressed through schoolboy representative rugby, including, Danny McGuire, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Ryan Bailey, Rob Burrow and Carl Ablett.
Leeds Rugby Foundation Rugby League Development Manager Leon Crick commented on the success of the game: “Schoolboy rugby is hugely important for our game as whole.
“Thanks must go to the teachers who coached the squads and it’s great to extend the players’ pathway to U13’s where there is some great talent on show.”
The match further emphasises Leeds Rugby Foundation's Three Year Plan for Developing Rugby League in the city. The flagship plan is sponsored by local company, Mears Group, and aims to get youngsters playing the sport as well as becoming fans.