Leeds Rhinos left in “good shape” as CEO Gary Hetherington sends departing message

Leeds Rhinos are “in good shape”, departing chief executive Gary Hetherington has said in a farewell message to fans.

Today (Friday) is Hetherington’s last at Leeds before he steps down to take a new role as a director at London Broncos.

The club was in crisis on and off the field when Hetherington and chairman Paul Caddick took over at the end of the first Super League season, in 1996.

The then-Loiners had narrowly avoided relegation and were struggling financially, with the future of their home ground in major doubt.

Since then, AMT Headingley has been transformed into one of this country’s finest sporting venues and, on the field, the club have enjoyed unprecedented success, winning eight Super League titles, four Challenge Cups and the league leaders’ shield and World Club Challenge three times each.

There have also been rough patches and Hetherington has become famous for his messages to supporters during spells of adversity.  To mark his final day in post, Hetherington has signed off with a farewell letter of thanks to fans on the club’s database.

Gary Hetherington farewells Leeds Rhinos after 29 years

The full text reads: “Hello Everyone. Today is my last one as Chief Executive of Leeds Rhinos, almost 29-years to the day when I flew back from the 1996 GB Lions Tour to New Zealand to publicly announce that Paul Caddick and I had assumed the Ownership and responsibility for Leeds RL and Headingley! Where has the last 29-years gone!

“It’s been a fascinating journey with so many challenges, successes, disappointments and a lot of fond memories. I have often said to my staff, ‘If you find a job you love, you’ll never do a day’s work in your life’ and that’s me! I was fortunate to be born and raised in a rugby league community, firstly as a fan and then a professional player, coach and manager and in my late 20s, a club owner at Sheffield Eagles. This journey continued when Paul and I came together and it’s been eventful ever since!

“I leave knowing the club is in good shape, we have an outstanding group of senior managers, a very dedicated staff and a 1st team squad capable of winning silverware. We also have the best crop of young players for over 20 years and ‘Team Rhinos’ now includes our Women, Wheelchair, Learning and Physical Disability teams and our Netball Super League team, all players and staff who wear the Rhinos badge with pride!

“I’m also proud of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, who do so much good work throughout the City and its communities. The Foundation supports rugby league in Schools and community clubs and also delivers health and educational projects for Leeds City Council and other community groups.

“I’m a Rhinos fan, so I’ll be at most home games, I’ll continue to serve the Rhinos Players’ Association and the Rhinos Foundation, and I will also focus my efforts to rejuvenate the London Broncos and make rugby league less of a secret in London and the South of England region. It’s another big and exciting challenge! So, thanks again for your support over the years, it is much appreciated and I know you have a lot to look forward to. Very best wishes. Gary Hetherington. Chief executive.”

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Today marks Gary Hetherington’s last day as CEO of Leeds Rhinos after 29 incredible years. Check out this report from @itvcalendar from the time, hard to remember just where we were when Paul and Gary first arrived #ThankYouGary pic.twitter.com/QRKTpXN7Pk

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) October 31, 2025