Gary Hetherington: Leeds Rhinos chief executive to stand down

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington is to step down at the end of the season.

The 70-year-old has been in the role since December 1996 and during his time at the club they have won eight Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges and four Challenge Cups.

Leeds have announced that he will be replaced by club legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

For his remaining time with the Rhinos he will spend two days a week assisting Championship side London Broncos as they look to secure new ownership.

“I’ve had a good innings and it’s been an amazing journey,” Hetherington told the club website., external

“At the outset, we had four key objectives; to give the city a team to be proud of, to convert the loss-making business into a sustainable one, to redevelop the stadium facilities and to connect with our community and make a positive difference.

“I look back with pride on the rebrand to Leeds Rhinos, the birth of the Foundation, the stadium redevelopment, our training complex at Kirkstall and the successful Rhinos teams, players and staff, and most of all, on building the club’s reputation to always serving the game in the best possible way.”