Jonny Wainhouse

Leeds Rhinos Community Development Officer

Jonny is a Leeds lad born and bred; passionate about Leeds and Rugby League. He recalls watching the Rhinos as a child in the South Stand with his dad and his dream was to one day play for the team he loved. Sadly this was not to be, however as the door was closed on a playing career for the club another door opened and Jonny became a development officer for the Rhinos in 2004. During his time at the club Jonny has gained experience of working within primary schools, secondary schools and amateur clubs.

Now Jonny works closely with Leeds schools to develop secondary schools rugby throughout Leeds. He is also responsible for planning and managing the Leeds Rhinos Activity Camp programme.

Aside from the Rhinos, Jonny is still involved in the professional game and plays for Hunslet Hawks.

Laura Jayne Clarke

Women and Girls Rugby Development Officer

Laura joined the community team in November 2006 after completing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Laura joined the Leeds Rugby Foundation with the aim of developing opportunities for women and girls in Rugby League throughout Leeds.  Through a partnership with Leeds City Council and many other key partners the female game has continued to grow in amateur clubs and most noticeably in secondary schools.

2008 saw the launch of a secondary schools Girls Rugby League and in its pilot year was incredibly successful with teams regularly playing in home and away fixtures.  The teams also got the opportunity to receive coaching from NRL Champions Manly Sea Eagles.

As well as coaching Laura also plays Rugby League and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Gareth Cooke

Rhinos Development Officer

Gareth, known affectionately by school children and his colleagues as Captain Cook or Cookie, started working as a rugby development officer for Rugby Union side Leeds Carnegie in 2005.

After three years in this role he switched codes and became a development officer for the Rhinos. Gareth’s transition to the Leeds Rhinos community team brings opportunity for Gareth to work on a variety of projects  and his main role now is the delivery of Rugby League coaching and assemblies within Leeds primary schools. 

In July 2008 Gareth organised a world record breaking Tag festival at Harewood House which attracted over a hundred schools and a thousand children to compete.

Before joining Leeds Rugby Gareth worked with the RFU as a Rugby Community Coach.  In his spare time Gareth likes cooking and sees himself as the next Jamie Oliver.

Nigel O'Flaherty Johnston

Rhinos Community Development Manager

Nigel is the Community Development Manager and joined Leeds Rhinos in 2006 after working at Bradford Bulls as Development Manager.

Nigel has worked in Rugby League Development for 15 years, his first post being Rugby League National Development Officer for Ireland. As well as his development work Nigel has also played and coached Rugby League at amateur and professional levels.

Nigel is responsible for managing the Rhinos Community team which consists of developing, delivering and monitoring community programmes, activities and events alongside the rest of the community team.

Away from Leeds Rhinos Nigel spends time with his family and enjoys playing the Saxophone.

Sam Horner

Rhinos Community Development Manager

Sam joined the Rhinos community team as the amateur clubs link in November 2007 after working in construction for thirty years.  He has always been a fan of the Rhinos and worked as a volunteer for seven years previously working on the Leeds Rhinos Scholarship Scheme and foundation.

His main responsibility now is linking Leeds Rhinos with the amateur rugby clubs throughout Leeds. Since joining the Community team Sam has developed coaching workshops and has helped organise other projects including an annual celebration dinner which brining together all avenues of Rugby League; professional, amateur and service area.

Sam is a keen sportsman and has been involved with rugby at both professional and amateur level and is still playing in an over 35’s Masters League.