Rhinos announce first female club president

Gill Spencer will take over from Andrew Thirkill on 1 November

Leeds Rhinos have announced their first female president in the club’s 134-year history.

Fan Gill Spencer said she was delighted that women were "beginning to play a key part in professional sport".

Ms Spencer said she had supported the rugby league side since she became "hooked" as a 17-year-old watching a game from the team's South Stand.

She will take over from current president Andrew Thirkill on 1 November after he completes his term.

'Big supporter'

"We have an excellent group of players through all teams, and I am confident we will see our rugby teams, both men and women, reach some great achievements in the years ahead," she added.

Club chief executive Gary Hetherington said he was "delighted" to welcome the incoming president for her three-year term.

"Gill is also a long-standing fan and a big supporter of all our Rhinos teams, and I know she will enjoy her time as President and will support our players, staff, partners and fans," he added.

Leeds Rhinos' Luke Gale lifts the trophy after the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on 17 October 2020

Mr Thirkill, who has been president for the past six years, said he felt like now was the right time to "pass on the baton" to Ms Spencer, who he described as an "excellent choice".

During his time as president, the team reached the Super League Grand Final and also won the Challenge Cup Final in 2020, known as the 'Covid Wembley' as just 50 spectators were present during pandemic restrictions.

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