
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Officer Gary Hetherington has confirmed that he is ‘committed’ to the club despite his reported involvement in a London Broncos takeover.
Reports in The Sun on Sunday first suggested that the Leeds Rhinos CEO was ‘brokering’ a deal to see NRL side Brisbane Broncos invest in Championship club London Broncos – something that the NRL club have now denied.
London are in desperate need for investment following their relegation from Super League and the exit of their long-term investor David Hughes. The businessman had been involved with the club for 27 years but confirmed his exit at the end of last season.
Whilst the news of NRL interest in London was surprising, perhaps more of a shock was the reported involvement of Hetherington given his longstanding relationship of almost 30 years with Leeds Rhinos.
He spoke with Serious About Rugby League to clarify his position with the Leeds man making it clear that his role at Headingley does not change, revealing the support from the Rhinos’ chairman Paul Caddick and expressing his advocacy for rugby league in London.
“I have been doing what I can to help London, but I am chief executive of Leeds Rhinos and my position there is unaffected,” he explained.
Now, Leeds Rhinos have released their own statement with both Hetherington and Caddick making similar statements to clarify their position.
Leeds Rhinos move to clarify CEO’s position after London Broncos takeover reports

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
In a statement posted to their club website, Gary Hetherington told Leeds Rhinos fans: “Following recent media speculation regarding my role in supporting London Broncos and their need for a new ownership model, I can confirm that following a request from the London club, and supported by our Chairman Paul Caddick, I have given assistance to London in an effort to secure their long term future and the future for professional Rugby League in London and the South East of England.
“Those who know me, know I have always been passionate about growing our game and I personally believe that having a sustainable team in the nations capital is important, so I was happy to lend my advice and experience to Jason Loubser and his team at the Broncos. I been fortunate throughout my career to have built up strong relationships with people across the game and especially in Australia.
“I am currently on a family holiday in Australia but have also been able to use my time over here to meet with potential investors and I am confident of a successful outcome for London Broncos. I remain committed to Leeds Rhinos as Chief Executive and thank Paul Caddick for his support.”
Leeds Rhinos Chairman Paul Caddick MBE added, “As a club, we have always stated our belief that, to grow our sport, we need to expand our base. However, if the sport can do that whilst also bringing in new investment and potentially creating a new ownership model, that is an exciting prospect for Rugby League as a whole.
“I would like to thank Gary for taking time out of his family holiday to assist London. We are very excited about the season ahead at the Rhinos with the squad that Ian Blease and Brad Arthur have assembled and hope for a successful year not just for our club but the sport as a whole.”
