Leeds Rhinos legend Danny McGuire is back at Headingley in a new role.
McGuire, who was axed as coach of Castleford Tigers in July, has been unveiled as Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s first rugby league impact and growth manager.
The 42-year-old will lead efforts to inspire more youngsters into the sport through the Foundation’s rugby league development plan.
McGuire was man of the match in Rhinos’ treble-clinching Grand Final win against Wigan Warriors 10 years ago today.
He began playing rugby league at the East Leeds community club and spent 15 years in Rhinos’ first team, winning eight Super League titles.
He is the fourth-highest try scorer in Leeds’ history, with 267 and only 10 players have surpassed his total of 424 games for the club.
Danny McGuire speaks after Leeds Rhinos return
Rhinos Foundation’s development plan is designed to drive participation in the sport at all levels and retain those already in the game. It will be governed by a newly-created rugby league development steering group for the city.
McGuire said: “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 I had.”
He added: “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 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 learned.”
Incoming Leeds Rhinos chief executive Jamie Jones-Buchanan, who played alongside McGuire, said: “It is great to see Danny back at the club and for the Foundation to give him a chance to grow the game we both grew up loving.
“I am a product of the rugby league environment I was nurtured in. I was a kid in the South Stand cheering on my heroes, then a player on the field and now we have the chance to lead the club into a new era.
“That is the incredible opportunities the sport of rugby league gives you and I hope, through the rugby league development plan, we can pass that gift onto the next generation.”
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