Rhinos Academy sign up promising Rugby Union talent

Leeds Rhinos are pleased to confirm that Under-18s forward Oscar Brown has signed his first professional contract with the Rhinos following a three-month trial period.

The former Yorkshire Academy forward was scouted from Harrogate Rugby Union by Leeds’ Talent ID staff and brought into play in the Rhinos Under-18s side this year.  He made two appearances against Hull KR and Bradford Bulls, scoring a sensational length-of-the-field effort in the latter. Now secured for the next two years of his development on a part-time basis, Brown will continue to play for the Under-18s Academy in 2025 before stepping up to the Reserves squad in 2026.  He follows in the footsteps of current Rhinos first team players Ned McCormack and Ben Littlewood in joining the club’s Academy from a Rugby Union background.

Speaking after signing his contract, Brown said: “It was a no-brainer. I was hoping to get offered a contract when the season ended, and when it came through, I wanted to get stuck in straight away and sign it.

“I've progressed a lot since I joined the club and have picked up on the game quite quickly, but I feel like there's a lot of work to be done. The game against Bradford really solidified my spot in the team and increased my confidence a lot, especially scoring that try, and the staff at Leeds have helped me out a lot too. They have been there whenever I’ve needed them on and off the pitch. Now, I’m really looking forward to pre-season and being fully part of the team throughout the whole season.

“I definitely think that next year is going to help me improve my skill-set and then I think I'll be ready for Reserves league after that. The atmosphere around the team at the minute is very good too. There’s a lot of like togetherness so hopefully we can carry that through to the next season.”

Leeds Rhinos Head of Youth John Bastian added: “We're delighted to have Oscar on board. He’s made a big impression over a short period of time since he joined us from Harrogate and was a great spot by our Head of Talent ID Simon Bell, who saw some potential in him. He's been exceptional in training over the last three months and although he hasn't had a great deal of game time, he's certainly shown that he’s committed, he runs the ball hard, he's prepared to tackle hard, and his effort areas have been really good.

“Rugby Union offers Rugby League some superb athletes and good young men that can transition into our pathway and create wonderful opportunities for themselves. We’ve seen examples of that at the Rhinos this year in Ned McCormack and Ben Littlewood, who have made their first team debuts, as well as Academy players Fergie McCormack and George Brown, who have also had experience playing Rugby Union.”