Leeds Rhinos: Talented forward heads out on loan

Championship side Doncaster RLFC have confirmed the loan signing of young Leeds Rhinos forward Leon Ruan with the 21-year-old joining the club immediately.

The Dons confirmed the signing with Ruan having trained alongside the club earlier in the week meaning he is now in line to feature in their Good Friday clash with Sheffield Eagles.

Doncaster confirmed the news via their website, releasing the following statement: “Leeds Rhinos forward Leon Raun has joined Doncaster RLFC on an initial one-month loan deal.

“Ruan trained with Doncaster earlier this week ahead of the Dons v Sheffield Eagles Good Friday South Yorkshire showdown.

“The 21-year-old returns to the Dons after joining the Rhinos from Doncaster ahead of the 2023 season. Ruan’s previous stint in Doncaster saw him playing in the second row, helping Richard Horne’s side reach the League One Play Off Final with 20 appearances and six tries.”

As referenced within Doncaster’s statement, Ruan previously was a Don before the Rhinos swooped to acquire his talent ahead of the 2023 season and during that off-season the forward earned rave reviews from Rohan Smith.

Whilst Leeds Rhinos may be slightly short at prop, they have an excellent set of second-rowers which has left Ruan on the fringes this season so a loan deal to gain playing time makes perfect sense.

“Easy decision” for Championship side to bring in Leeds Rhinos talent

Ruan is the latest in a flurry of youngsters from Super League to make a loan switch with Leigh Leopards having sent a trio of players to the competition on two-week deals.

Bradford Bulls have also brought in two Super League rising stars to try and aid them for their next two games against Halifax and Featherstone, but it’s Doncaster who have pried Ruan from Leeds Rhinos.

Doncaster’s statement continued with head coach Richard Horne adding: “Bringing Leon back was an easy decision, we know him as a person already from his previous time with us, as well as the quality he will add to the squad.”

Ruan has signed ahead of this Friday’s derby clash as the Dons host Sheffield Eagles at the Eco-Power Stadium, whilst Leeds Rhinos will travel to face Castleford Tigers tomorrow night as they kick off Rivals Round.