5 hrs

Rhinos officially launch Scholarship programme for 2026

Last night saw Leeds Rhinos officially launch its Scholarship programme for the 2026 season as the club welcomed 34 players onto the first step of its development pathway.

The Scholarship launch night is one of the highlight events in the Rhinos Youth calendar as player, parents and guardians come together in the Howard Suite at AMT Headingley Stadium to be welcomed into the club by incoming Rhinos Chief Executive Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Commercial Director Rob Oates, as well as the club's new youth leadership team, Head of Youth Darren Higgins and Head of Pathways and Talent ID Mark Butterill.

Players also had the opportunity to hear from Leeds Rhinos star Alfie Edgell, as the full back shared his experience of the Rhinos pathway from joining as a 14-year old from Kippax to go onto make 25 first team appearances for the club since 2023.

Speaking about introducing the new Scholarship cohort into the club, Leeds Rhinos Head of Youth Darren Higgins said: "It’s been a great night. It’s really set the scene for what’s ahead. We’ve welcomed the boys to the club, explained what the programme’s about, and I think they’re all ready to go now. It’s a celebration of a great achievement and a proud moment for their families, their community clubs, and their schools. It’s a milestone, but the message has been clear: the hard work starts now. It’s what they do from this point that determines where they’ll be in 12 or 24 months’ time.

"It’s all stepping stones, whether that’s on the field, the education we do, or the messages from Alfie, who’s been here tonight talking about his journey. It’s all preparation so that, if that day comes, they’re ready technically, tactically, physically, and mentally.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the lads progress. We’ve got really good staff in place, so they’ll be well supported, but it’s over to them to make the most of the opportunity."

Rhinos Head of Pathways and Talent ID, Mark Butterill added: "It’s a nice night to welcome the new group into the Rhinos family and I really excited and really looking forward to the season ahead. We’ve got a good coaching team, the programme’s strong, and I’ve got a lot of faith in Simon Brown and what he wants to project to these guys. It's going to be a strong season of learning and development.

"Having Alfie here to talk to the lads is invaluable too. Alfie’s a fantastic young man and player, someone the lads can really relate to. Sharing his story goes a long way in giving the younger players something to aim for."