Netball Super League | Leeds Rhinos to tour Yorkshire during first VNSL season at home

Brie Grierson of Yorkshire outfit Leeds Rhinos.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Brie Grierson of Leeds Rhinos in action during the match between Leeds Rhinos and Wasps on day four of round 14 of the Vitality Netball Superleague at Copper Box Arena on May 03, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images)

Fans across Yorkshire will be able to enjoy live top class netball once again next season with the news that Leeds Rhinos Netball will play in venues across the county in 2022.

Three of Yorkshire’s top indoor venues will host the Rhinos eight Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) fixtures as the Rhinos look to build on their impressive debut campaign with the backing of their home supporters.

With fans unable to watch the Rhinos live last year due to Covid restrictions, next season will be the first chance supporters will get to see their team in action in Yorkshire.

The First Direct Arena in Leeds will host two showpiece events against two-time champions Wasps in March before the huge northern derby against three-time champions Manchester Thunder in May.

The EIS in Sheffield is the venue for the team’s first home game of the season against last year’s semi-finalists Team Bath Netball. Sheffield will also host two more games against London Pulse in March and Severn Stars in May.

The Allam Sports Centre in Hull is the third home venue with games scheduled against Strathclyde Sirens in April, Surrey Storm in May and the final home game of the season against Saracens Mavericks.

The decision to play the games across Yorkshire is part of the club’s commitment to represent the whole region as well as increasing awareness of the sport and offering fans around the county more opportunities to see live Superleague netball.

Leeds Rhinos Netball’s Franchise Director, Dan Busfield, said: “We are proud to represent our great county and have been overwhelmed by the support we have already received. It was disappointing that fans were unable to watch us at home in our debut season, so we are really looking forward to next year when we can welcome our home fans and start building a community around our team.

“A lot of hard work has gone in to finding the right venues and we are excited to be able to take our games across Yorkshire so more netball fans will get the opportunity to see us play and engage with the club.

“Through our partnership with Yorkshire Netball, we have developed great relationships with local clubs and we hope that will continue to flourish. We believe that by taking our games across the county will benefit the whole of netball in Yorkshire and help grow our sport.

“The two showcase events at first direct Arena in Leeds, gives us a massive opportunity to attract a huge crowd and introduce new fans to our team.”

The games against reigning champions Loughborough Lightning will be part of the competition’s Season Opener at Resorts World Birmingham on 6^th February and the fixture against Celtic Dragons on Easter Saturday will also be part of a weekend of Superleague netball at the same venue. You can buy tickets for Season Opener here.

Rhinos Netball 2022 Memberships are also on sale now for 2021 Rhinos Netball Supporter Members to purchase their membership before they go on general sale on Wednesday 1^st December at 10am (online) and 10.30am (over the phone). For more information on memberships, click here.

Follow @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Vitality Netball Superleague news. Buy Season Opener 2022 tickets here.