Rhinos unveil 19-player cohort for 2027 Scholarship Programme

Leeds Rhinos are pleased to confirm the cohort of Under-14s players who will be joining the club’s Scholarship programme from the 2027 season. 

George Andrews, Riley Bogle, Tahi Chase, Eli Condren, Zach Findlay, George Grindley, Abel Grix, Ted Hammond, Eddy Hodgson, Mason Kelly, Noah Lunt, Stanley Lyttle, Ezra Mbega, Oscar Napoli, Tommy Newlove, George Scruton, Logan Spencer, Elijah Tepper and Luis Woods have all accepted the opportunity to be a part of the Rhinos programme for the next two seasons as the Leeds club continues to give players in and around Yorkshire the chance to continue their rugby development.

Amongst the 19 signings, five players are the next generation in their family to join a Super League club’s pathway. George Scruton follows in the footsteps of his dad and Leeds Academy graduate Nick Scruton, who went on to win World Club and Grand Final titles amongst 77 senior appearances for the club. Noah Lunt, the son of former Huddersfield and Leeds hooker Shaun Lunt, and Abel Grix, the son of current Rhinos Assistant Coach Scott Grix, continue the Rhinos connection, plus Tahi Chase is the son of 2011 Man of Steel winner and England international Rangi Chase. Tommy Newlove is latest generation of his family to join the youth system of a Super League club, following his dad Richard (Wakefield, Featherstone & Sheffield), uncle Paul (St Helens, Bradford & Great Britain international) and grandad John (Hull FC).

In total, eight community clubs are represented by the new group, four of which currently play in Division One of the Yorkshire Junior League. Division One leaders Keighley Albion have the most inclusions at seven, whilst Normanton Knights and Division Two club Siddal are represented by three players each. Upton (two players) and Drighlington, Oulton Raiders, Birstall Victoria and Leeds Underdogs (one player) are also represented. It is the first time that Leeds Underdogs have had a player sign a Scholarship contract for the Rhinos.

Alongside training twice a week at the Bartercard Kirkstall Training Complex and featuring against other Betfred Super League club Scholarship teams for the Rhinos, players will continue to play and train with their community clubs on a weekly basis.

Leeds Rhinos Head of Youth Darren Higgins said, “We are delighted to welcome the 19 players to the Rhinos. The recruitment of these players comes on the back of extensive talent ID work and our Rhinos Talent Pathway programme, where these players have made a significant impression demonstrating both their character and future potential. Both Mark Butterill and Barry Evans have been instrumental in this process, along with our talent identification team and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation.

“The selection of these players is also a great reflection of their community club environments and the coaching these players have received. As a youth development department, we have an ethos of providing more opportunities for more players for a longer period of time, and we will continue to look for talent and potential through continuing to observe community fixtures alongside our various player development and pathway programmes.”

Leeds Rhinos Head of Pathways Talent ID Mark Butterill said, “It's a proud moment for every player and their family, and a reward for years of dedication, commitment and hard work.

“I'd like to thank the community clubs, coaches, parents and everyone involved in the players' development. The role they play in helping young players grow both on and off the field is invaluable. A huge thank you also goes to our scouting and talent identification team, who put countless hours into watching games, building relationships and making sure every player is given the opportunity to be seen. While we celebrate those who have earned a Scholarship place, it's equally important to recognise the many talented players who haven't been selected this time. Rugby League is a late-maturation sport and every player's journey is different. Selection at 14 doesn't define where a player will finish.

“Our aim is simple: to create opportunities, provide quality coaching and ensure every young player has the chance to develop and fulfil their potential, regardless of where they are on their individual pathway.”

2027 Under-15s Signings

George Andrews

Riley Bogle

Tahi Chase

Eli Condren

Zach Findlay

George Grindley

Abel Grix

Ted Hammond

Eddy Hodgson

Mason Kelly

Noah Lunt

Stanley Lyttle

Ezra Mbega

Oscar Napoli

Tommy Newlove

George Scruton

Logan Spencer

Elijah Tepper

Luis Woods