Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington opens up on retirement and his future

Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington has been a big part of rugby league’s recent history especially at Headingley helping redevelop the ground and also being the backbone of Leeds Rhinos’ Golden Generation.

It seemed he was getting Kevin Sinfield ready to take over as he became Director of Rugby but with Sinfield in rugby union, Hetherington has continued to be key and confirmed today that he has no plans to retire.

He said: “I have no plans to retire, I do plan to continue because it is a job I love and enjoy.”

He also believes the last year has been one of the most important years in rugby league as the RFL and Super League re-aligned and IMG took over.

Speaking today, he said: “It is a huge year for the game. Constitutionally, what has happened in the last 12 months is on a par with anything that has happened in the history of the game.

“The game and the clubs have a marvellous  opportunity after the constitutional change that has effectively brought the game back together again is important.

“The introduction of IMG is quite significant, to have a global leader and have a 12-year partnership is unknown for our game and gives us some great opportunities for fans, players and coaches.

“They are opportunities that we need to look to grasp.”

In terms of how Leeds will approach IMG’s new era, he said:

“We’re always thinking about that anyway and it is a process that never ends in modern technology and everything that goes with it and I think with what IMG will bring is a new phase really. All clubs will need to take advantage of that and we’re conscious that we need to get up to speed.”