Leeds Rhinos appoint first ever female club president
Gill Spencer is the first woman to take on the role in the Rhinos 134-year history
Last updated 16th Oct 2024
A woman is to become Leeds Rhinos club president, for the first time in the West Yorkshire team's 134-year history.
Long time rugby league fan Gill Spencer will take over the role at the start of next month, replacing Andrew Thirkill - who has been in the position for the past six years.
Speaking to the Rhinos website, Gill said: “I have supported Leeds Rhinos since I was 17 and was hooked from the moment I watched my first game in the South Stand."
"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.”
Andrew Thirkill said: “For a fan of over 50 years to become the Club President of Leeds Rhinos has been an immense honour"
"In my six years as Club President the club have reached the Super League Grand Final and won the Challenge Cup Final in 2020 at the 'Covid Wembley' with just 50 spectators present, a unique and unforgettable occasion.
“It felt the right time to 'pass the baton’, the club have chosen Gill Spencer, a good friend and long-standing fan to take up the role, an excellent choice and I wish Gill all the very best too.”