The Prince and Princess of Wales headed to the Leeds Rhinos’ home ground today to discover how the club and its Foundation are harnessing sport to transform lives in the local community.
During their visit, the royal couple spent time with Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, the club’s chief executive and a lifelong friend of the late Rob Burrow CBE.
They learned about the Rhinos’ storied history and the lasting influence Rob’s legacy continues to have on both the club and the broader rugby league world.
The Foundation’s work using sport as a vehicle for improving health, education, inclusion and wellbeing was also highlighted, with the organisation helping people across Leeds reach their potential.
Former club captain Danny McGuire, who has rejoined the Rhinos through the Foundation, briefed the couple on the Rugby League Development Plan he now leads.
The initiative aims to grow the sport by boosting participation rates, retaining players, and broadening access for women and girls.
It also focuses on nurturing coaching talent and fostering inclusive settings where all participants can engage with and flourish in rugby league.
William and Catherine then had the chance to witness the programme’s real-world impact, spending time with a group of young people currently taking part in it.
The Prince and Princess of Wales headed to the Leeds Rhinos’ home ground today to discover how the club and its Foundation are harnessing sport to transform lives in the local community
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PA
The encounter gave the royal couple a firsthand look at how the development scheme is shaping the next generation of players.
In her capacity as Patron of the Rugby Football League, the Princess joined her husband in offering best wishes to players preparing for next month’s Rugby League World Cup.
The royal couple have long admired Kevin Sinfield for his extraordinary dedication to the motor neurone disease community.
Back in 2024, the Prince of Wales made a surprise appearance at Headingley Stadium to personally award CBEs to both Sinfield and Rob Burrow.
During their visit, the royal couple spent time with Jamie Jones Buchanan MBE, the club’s chief executive and a lifelong friend of the late Rob Burrow CBE
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GETTY
He subsequently opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, meeting Rob’s wife and children as well as Kevin to understand the difference the pioneering facility would make for families affected by the condition.
Sinfield embarked on Sunday on what he has declared will be his final fundraising endeavour: running an ultra-marathon each day for seven consecutive days, taking in all 12 English Betfred Super League grounds before concluding at Old Trafford in time for the Super League Grand Final.
After their engagement with the Rhinos, William and Catherine made their way to DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield to give Kevin an unexpected welcome as he reached the third day of his gruelling challenge.
The royal couple have long admired Kevin Sinfield for his extraordinary dedication to the motor neurone disease community
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GETTY
Before greeting the fundraiser on the pitch, the couple spoke with families living with MND.
They then reflected with Sinfield on his progress through the challenge and the profound difference his campaigning has made for those affected by the disease and their families.