LEEDS RHINOS legend Danny McGuire has returned to Headingley after joining the club’s foundation in a newly-created role as Rugby League Impact and Growth Manager.
The record breaking try-scorer won eight Grand Finals during a glittering playing career and spent 15 years at the Rhinos between 2002 and 2017.
McGuire most recently coached Castleford Tigers, but was given his marching orders in July after winning only four of his 18 matches in charge.
The Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Rugby League Development plan has been designed to drive participation in the sport, at all levels, and retain those already in the game whether as players, coaches, volunteers, referees or administrators.
It will be governed by a newly created Rugby League Development Steering group for the city, aimed at giving a clear direction for grassroots Rugby League development and offer support for those who want to see the game grow and, importantly, thrive in the years ahead.
McGuire commented: “People talk about community like it’s just an idea but in Rugby League, it’s a reality.
“Our clubs are the beating heart of our communities, they live alongside us and offer us a chance of something else – they always have.
“I am proud to be a rugby league player. When I was growing up, I watched my heroes and dreamed of being like them.
“I was lucky enough to live my dream and now I want to help every boy and girl have the same opportunity that I had.
“Sadly over the last 30 years, the chance to play rugby league in schools and clubs has faced tough times. Cuts to spending and other hobbies have taken a generation away from the playing fields of Leeds. But the Leeds Rhinos Foundation want to change that.
“We want more kids playing the game, more adults coaching the game and more teams in the game. We want every child to know where their local team is and want to join it, no matter where they live.
“Rugby league changed my life, not just because of the career I was able to have but the mates I made along the way and lessons I learnt.
“But in order for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation to reach as many children as possible, we need the support of the people of Leeds.
“It’s a simple equation; the more money we can raise, the more children we can reach.
“Through the Rugby League Development Plan, we can strategically bring the game back to those kids and help our clubs in the city to grow with more youngsters coming through their doors every year.”