Leeds Rhinos Women launch 2023-24 Academy programme

Leeds Rhinos Women welcomed new recruits to their Academy Pathway with a special night at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium.

The night was hosted by Leeds Rhinos Commercial Director, Rob Oates and there were guest speakers including Women’s head coach Lois Forsell, Women’s players Caitlin Casey and Keara Bennett, Rhinos men’s head coach Rohan Smith and Chief Executive Gary Hetherington.

The women’s academy consists of players from the following community clubs, Oulton Raidettes, Dewsbury Moor, Shawcross Sharks, Illigworth, Stanningley, Newcastle Thunder, Fryston Warriors, Cutsyke Raidettes, Greetland Allrounders, Farnley Falcons, Brikenshaw Bluedogs, Whinmoor Warriors, Featherstone Lionesses and Locklane.

Speaking after the event Forsell said: " The night was really good, it’s probably one of the best nights in the calendar as we get to welcome new players to the club for the start of their journey.  People like Caitlin Casey and Keara Bennett were sat in that room once before and look how they have developed. It’s exciting to know some girls will be taking their first steps on our pathway and I am looking forward to working with them. It’s a proud moment for community clubs and the coaches who have worked closely with the players, we see first hand the amount of effort and commitment that goes into developing young talent at local community clubs and the launch evening was also an opportunity to recognise that.

“The fact that we were joined by so many members of staff from the club at the event speaks volumes, and you could tell it meant a lot to the parents and players that Rohan and Gary were here shows it’s that one club mentality.”

Recruitment for Leeds Rhinos Women’s Academy is fluid and players can be added to the programme throughout the season, we would welcome aspiring players to our open access Rhinos Talent Pathway Sessions in the school holidays which focus of fun, core skill development and game play. This programme will resume in 2024 and is open access to all players, including players new to the game.