Leeds Rhinos to play USA Pioneers

It will be the fourth time the Rhinos have traveled to Jacksonville for pre-season training and the trip will culminate with a game against the USA Pioneers at the University of North Florida in the city. Jacksonville is the largest city in the State of Florida by population and just over two hours away from Orlando. 

Commenting on the trip, Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We are delighted to confirm our pre-season training camp for 2015 ahead of the players returning for the start of training on Monday. We have always received a very warm welcome in Jacksonville and have many friends in the city who we are looking forward to meeting up with again.

"We have seen the growth of the game in America in recent years and how the USA captured the Rugby League public's imagination last year at the World Cup. The clash with the USA Pioneers will now provide an incredible opportunity for a group of players from the domestic competition to test themselves against professional players. There is obviously great links between NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars and the UK with their games at Wembley and we will be looking to meet up with the Jaguars once again to share ideas and best practise as part of our trip," added Hetherington.

Spinner Howland, who is board member of USARL and founder of the Jacksonville Axemen, has once again worked hard to bring the Rhinos to the city. He commented, "Having the Leeds Rhinos return to City of Jacksonville for training camp and a game is very exciting.

"After two successful games here 2008 and 2009 the local Rugby League fans are very familiar with the Rhinos and are eager to see them play on American soil again. However, since 2009 two new facets will allow an even greater impact for Rugby League.

"One will be the opportunity for the players and fans of Leeds sister team in Atlanta, the Atlanta Rhinos, to see their UK counterparts live and to meet some of the players they have been following for the past year. Secondly will be the game against the USA Rugby League Pioneers team, where domestic American players will have a rare opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world. A visit from a team as Iconic as the Leeds Rhinos not only brings an economic impact to Jacksonville, but does incredible things for the domestic growth of Rugby League in the USA. The Leeds Rhinos have proven themselves as Pioneers in supporting the growth of Rugby League with a true international vision," added Howland.

The Rhinos are offering supporters trips to Jacksonville in January so that fans can travel with the team and enjoy a unique insight into the preparations for the new season.

Departing Friday 9th January and returning Wednesday 14th January, the trip includes flights from Manchester to Jacksonville via Atlanta, 4 nights' accommodation with breakfast, a dinner-cruise with the team on St John's River, tickets to Leeds Rhinos v USA Pioneers game and post-match event with the team, plus a tour of Jacksonville Jaguars' Stadium, and transfers.

Best Western JTB/Southpoint
From £995 pp twin & £1107 pp single
Sheraton Jacksonville
From £1055 pp twin & £1170 pp single

Optional 3 night extension to The Brice Hotel Savannah, Georgia, £184 pp twin & £368 pp single on a room only basis. Car rental options available. Places are limited and prices may increase as flights get busier.

Packages are fully bonded by Travel Counsellors' ATOL 6751. Other travel options are available please call 0113 277 8004 or email This email has been obfuscated. for more details or to book