Leeds Rhinos Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Neil Barnaby and Keiran Hickman to their Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) coaching team.
The experienced duo join the Rhinos from Castleford Tigers PDRL and will support Player-Coach Dan Roberts in his coaching duties as the team prepare to bounce back from the pandemic when they kick off their 2021 season against Wakefield Trinity PDRL on Sunday.
A lifelong Leeds rugby fan, Barnaby received huge plaudits for his tireless work in helping to build and develop the Castleford Tigers PDRL team into one of the sport’s leading sides.
Having learnt his trade under the Foundation’s Community Clubs Development Officer Sam Horner, Barnaby began coaching in the community game with local club Siegen Saints whilst completing a degree in Sports Development and Physical Education at Leeds Trinity University.
After graduating he joined Castleford Tigers Foundation, where he was given the opportunity to take his coaching to the next level, leading Pontefract New College to the Yorkshire League 2 title before being appointed Head Coach of University of Leeds 2’s. Further success quickly followed, guiding the Gryphons side to promotion and a National Cup Semi-Final.
The 39-year-old was a driving force behind the introduction of PDRL to Castleford Tigers and is largely regarded as one of the leading ambassadors for rugby league’s inclusive formats.
On his move to the Rhinos, Barnaby said: “It’s a great honour for me to be joining the coaching team at Leeds Rhinos Foundation PDRL, especially being a massive Rhinos fan.
“What these players do is amazing, and it’s a pleasure to see them get out playing the game they love in some of the best stadiums in the country.
“I hope that this year I can have a positive impact on the team and pass on my knowledge and experience to help us go that one step further and get our hands on the PDRL title at the end of the season.
Barnaby will be joined at the Rhinos by his former assistant coach Keiran Hickman. Starting his playing career with Castleford Panthers, Hickman went on to represent Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers and even Castleford Tigers as a trialist.
He finished his career with local side Kippax Welfare, which is where he got his first taste of working in a coaching capacity. Having supported Barnaby as an assistant coach for Castleford Tigers PDRL since 2018, Hickman now joins back up with his good friend as they embark on a new coaching adventure with Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Hickman said: “I’m delighted to be joining the coaching staff for Leeds Rhinos PDRL. It’s a leading club on all levels, with facilities to match and I’m sure we can push on and bring some silverware to the club, especially with the players we have in our ranks.“
“With it being World Cup year, hopefully a good few will also gain selection for their national teams which will make it a very successful season for all concerned.”
Leeds Rhinos PDRL begin their 2021 season on Sunday 25 April when they take on Wakefield Trinity PDRL at Leeds Rugby Academy, Kirkstall (3:30pm).
As per the latest Government guidance, all PDRL matches will be played behind-closed-doors until further notice, but team news and score updates will be provided through our official Twitter account- @RugbyLeeds.
For more information about Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s PDRL team, contact ben.berry@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.