Leeds snap up England rugby union academy international

Super League giants Leeds have pulled off a major coup in signing England Under-18s rugby union international Ned McCormack.

The 18-year-old back attracted interest of Premiership rugby union clubs with his displays for England this season having progressed through the Yorkshire Academy.

McCormack has opted to pursue his dream of playing professional rugby league for his boyhood club Leeds.

McCormack’s brother, Fergie, is already a member of the Rhinos academy, and the pair could line-up alongside each other in the future.

Ned said: “I like the speed of rugby league and I feel it suits me as a player.

“I am really happy with the decision to join Leeds; it is local for me and I have always wanted to represent Leeds since I was young.

“There have been a few rugby union clubs who wanted to sign me but that would involve moving away from home and I am delighted to have signed with the Rhinos.”

“As an outside back, you are guaranteed to get the ball more in rugby league and I am looking forward to making the most of those opportunities.

“My younger brother Fergie is already on the Rhinos books and I am looking forward to playing with him again. I want to be able to play at the best standard I can. I know I have got hard work in front of me.

“Headingley has a wonderful stadium, and it would be a dream to get to play there in front of the Rhinos fans.

“My family are delighted I have signed, my dad has been a Rhinos fan all his life, and it will be great for him to come down and support us.”

Rhinos head of youth delighted to welcome Ned McCormack to Headingley

Rhinos head of youth John Bastian added: “Ned has got great speed and balance and is a real rugby talent.

“He was on a rugby union pathway but we have made him welcome at the Rhinos. It is great to have a club that fully supports youth development right from the top; Rohan Smith has played a part in Ned’s signing having come down and met Ned and his family.

“Ned will not play much rugby over the next four to six weeks as he starts a training programme in a professional environment but after that he will be ready to go and I am looking forward to seeing him in action.”

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