Leeds Rhinos Foundation is excited to announce that digital production company, RAM Films, will be the official sponsor of the charity’s 2025 North vs South Player Development Series.
Owned by Leeds Rhinos legend and Director of Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, RAM Films specialises in bringing stories to life through outstanding filmmaking and production.
With a strong connection to Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Rhinos Foundation, as well as a deep-rooted involvement in the Rugby League community, RAM Films were looking for an opportunity to give back to the grassroots of the sport – a cause that Jamie Jones-Buchanan is especially passionate about.
Recognising the importance of player development and retention, RAM Films is proud to sponsor the 2025 North vs South Player Development Series, set to launch in July.
Having lived the journey of our Rugby League Development Plan himself, Jamie Jones-Buchanan spoke passionately about why this partnership means so much to him: “Many of my life’s achievements have come directly from the environment and opportunities that Leeds Rhinos gave me.
“‘Changing Lives Through the Power of Sport’ isn’t always about charity work – sometimes it’s simply about giving young people a platform to discover their gift, and a tribe to share it with. Rugby league was my gift, and the Rhinos have been my tribe for nearly 30 years – giving me purpose, belonging and a deep sense of gratitude.
“Now, I want to make sure those same chances are available to young people across Leeds. We have so many boys, girls, men and women in this city who would thrive in rugby league, and it’s our job to ensure they get that opportunity through projects such as the North vs South Player Development Series.
“That’s why it means so much to me to see grassroots rugby league being supported and celebrated – it’s not just where the next generation of Rhinos come from, it’s where young people find confidence, community, and a sense of who they are. And what a privilege it is for RAM Films to help capture and share some of those powerful stories.”
Co-Owner of RAM Films, Jimmy Bray, added: “Having played community Rugby League in Leeds for many years, I fully appreciate how important the friendships and connections that I made as a young lad were.
“At 48, the best friends in my life today are the same lads that I played with as a 12 year old. Sport in general, but specifically Rugby League is brilliant for forging those relationships and for RAM Films to be able to support the North v South Series and give similar opportunities to todays young players is fantastic.”
In 2022, in partnership with Hunslet RLFC, the Foundation 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.
As part of the Foundation’s Rugby League Development Plan, the programme also offers coach development opportunities. In return for their voluntary efforts, coaches and team managers will benefit from the opportunity of working in a player development environment aligned to professional clubs and the formal and informal personal development opportunities this provides.
Rugby League Development Manager, Darren Higgins, commented on the impact of the programme: “The North V South Player Development Series forms a fundamental part of our Rugby League Development plan not only from a player development, pathway and retention perspective, but also development opportunities for coaches from the community game.
“We are delighted to welcome RAM Films on board, and cannot wait to see the impact this has on growing the game of Rugby League in our city!
“A huge thank you to the team for their support.”